FDLS - Fashion

I know its too late, but better late than never. I did watch the movie FDLS (first day last show) but didn't find time to write the review. Its not coz I am that busy, but still I can't see any reason for not finding time. As it is said in marathi, didn't find time due to idleness. But, back to the topic, being a Madhur Bhandarkar film, it was a must watch movie. Also, the topic was quite interesting, since Fashion means sexy models everywhere. What other reason do I need? (Well, unfortunately, the movie had equal no. of gays, but thats another part of the story)

I was aware that the movie was about the rise, fall and re-rise of a super-model and so the story starts off in Meerut, a second tier city in India, with a city model, Meghna Mathur (Priyanka), dreaming to make it big in the fashion world. So she reaches the Fashion capital of India, Mumbai and starts her struggle towards her dreams. She meets Rohit (Ashwin Mushran), a gay aspiring designer, who introduces her to some contacts in the industry. She gets small assignments like a lingerie ad and ramp walks through these contacts. But because of the supermodel spark and attitude in her she develops key contacts in the fashion industry. Idolising Shonali (Kangna Ranawat), the show-stopper, she starts climbing the steps to success. And at one point she displaces Kangna and takes over the position of the face for Panache, a top brand in the city, owned by Abhijeet Sareen (Arbaaz Khan). And then she has no turning back, or so she thinks. Her late night parties and outings become a concern for her roomie turned boyfriend Maanav (Arjan). He tries to question her but spoils the relation and Priyanka quits him. From here the fall starts.

I felt the initial rise has eaten up a large part of the movie because of which, it has become longer. In the end, the re-rise is slower than the initial movie which makes the audience feel, come-on, finish it now. Priyanka has done well in her role showing different stages of stardom. Her awkwardness in the lingerie ad and distress after realizing that she slept with an african under the influence of drugs, is very good (though I feel Aish would have also brought shine to the role). I could here various "Oh shit" from female audience in the theatre at this scene. Madhur Bhandarkar has used all aspects of the industry like gay designers, drug intake of models, accidental strip-off on the ramp etc. without showing any unnecessary female exposure.

Kangna has also acted well to depict the Delhi based model, Geeta, who was on streets some days back, but is making a come-back. Model Mugdha Godse has also performed well in her debut movie. Other supporting cast like Arbaaz, Kitu Gidwani, Sameer Soni have also done good justice to their resp. roles.

The music feels fresh and techno with the remix numbers being used for the ramp shows. My personal favorite is the theme of the movie. All in all, another good movie from the Madhur Bhandarkar banner and a must watch in theatres.

Rating - ****1/2