Nonika Singh
On the surface it is both an interesting and unusual concept; meeting of minds. Love in absentia, via a notebook that serves as life lesson for our hero nursing heartache isn’t bad for a start. Only let it be said that the idea too is borrowed as the inspiration is a Thai film A Teacher’s Diary.
Set against the backdrop of beauteous Kashmir Valley the film could have been a masterpiece. Alas, the love story that Notebook is, is more a case of could have been than is, as it runs in many directions.
Even though unlike Imtiaz Ali’s Laila Majnu directed by his kid brother Sajid Ali, it does dare to look at the Kashmir problem in the eye. But the problem is it fails to integrate the issue that is as contentious as thorny in a love tale with a difference.
To be fair, the film certainly has its heart in place and not merely bats for secularism what with its lovers belonging to different religions. Though religious differences are not trumpeted it doesn’t flinch away from telling us of abandoned Pandit homes. Or of violence in the state or for that matter terrorism which of course looms like a spectre and not confronted directly.
That is all very well and the symbolism of school and children as the future of the Valley is also something one can’t take issues with. Nor can you find faults with its final message of peace and the need to eschew guns. But despite its best efforts you don’t warm up to either the lead characters or their relationship with students.
For the film is never a message alone and it is in execution that it leaves you cold. Debutant actors (Zaheer Iqbal, Pranutan Bahl) as Kabir and Firdaus just about fit in, and fail to elevate the film to a level where it would tug at your heartstrings. Pranutan may have legendary actress Nutan’s name in hers but her acting (as of now) is nowhere close to the fine actress that her grandmother was.
Pace too is a problem. Of course, in an idyllic place like Wular where the film is mostly set one can’t expect a frenzied rush of events. Perhaps, the Valley is a place where time stands still. But despite the obvious panoramic beauteous views where motorised shikaras move in the slush, where a dilapidated building serves as a school, we don’t quite get a sense of either the beauty or the melancholy of the Valley.
The pain and anguish of its people too is more talked about than felt. Then there are simplistic contrivances like Firdaus’s cheating beau which sap it further of its convincing power. The finale too is more wishful thinking than real. That, however, can be excused for in conflict ridden Kashmir one can only hope for the tide to turn better. Only your hope for the film’s narrative to turn a new leaf is belied at every step. So much so that even at the runtime of less than two hours, it appears a laboured effort. And certainly not labour of love.
nonikasingh@tribunemail.com
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