MOVIE REVIEW
CityLights
Starring: Rajkumar Rao, Patralekha, Manav Kaul
Director: Hansal Mehta
Music Director: Jeet Ganguly
An official remake of the British-Filipino hit, Metro Manila, CityLights leaves you troubled and disturbed. And that is its triumph. However, the film is not without flaws—a sluggish second half, an occasionally overwhelming background score, and some lapses of logic. However, the fine performances do compensate to a great extent for these shortcomings.
Forced to leave his village in Rajasthan, Deepak Singh (Rajkumar Rao) comes to the city of dreams, Mumbai, along with his wife Rakhi (Patralekha) and daughter Mahi in search of a better life. But life in the metropolis turns out to be a nightmare for Deepak in more ways than one. His wife lands up in a seedy dance bar and he is befriended by Vishnu (Manav Kaul) whose friendly, helpful façade camouflages darker motives.
While the plot holds one’s interest—the film gradually turns into a crime thriller—what really stays with the viewer are some truly poignant moments that reveal the dilemma and pain of the characters. Rajkumar Rao is one of Indian cinema’s finest actors today and in CityLights, he shines bright again, making his Deepak absolutely believable. Patralekha makes an impressive debut, showing a lot of promise. Manav Kaul as Vishnu is in terrific form and quite the scene-stealer.
Do watch this hard-hitting film. It may not lighten your mood, but it will surely make you think.
TOP 10 SONGS
1. Mast Magan (2 States)
2. Whistle Baja (Heropanti)
3. Baby Doll (MMS 2)
4. Caller Tune (Humshakals)
5. Palat Tera Hero (Main Tera Hero)
6. Dard Dilo Ke (XPose)
7. Suno Na Sangemarmar (Youngistaan)
8. Muskurane (CityLights)
9. Zehnaseeb (Hasee Toh Phasee)
10. Galliyan (Ek Villain)
TOP 10 MOVIES
1. Heropanti
2. CityLights
3. Holiday
4. 2 States
5. Queen
6. Ragini MMS 2
7. Main Tera Hero
8. XPose
9. Filmistaan
10. Hawaa Hawaai
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