Mela," a 2000 Bollywood action drama film directed by Dharmesh Darshan, features a star-studded cast including Aamir Khan, Twinkle Khanna, and Faisal Khan. Set against the backdrop of a traditional Indian fair (mela), the movie attempts to blend romance, action, and drama but ultimately falls short of expectations.
Plot Overview
The film revolves around Roopa (Twinkle Khanna), a village belle whose life is shattered when dacoits led by Gujjar (Tinu Verma) attack her village, killing her family. Roopa vows revenge and seeks help from two wandering performers, Kishan (Aamir Khan) and Shankar (Faisal Khan). Kishan is a carefree and charming entertainer, while Shankar is his more serious and determined brother. Together, they embark on a mission to bring justice to Roopa's family.
Characters and Performances
Aamir Khan, known for his versatility, plays Kishan with a flamboyant and over-the-top demeanor. His comedic timing and charisma are evident, but the role lacks depth, making his performance seem superficial at times. Faisal Khan, in the role of Shankar, delivers a sincere but unremarkable performance, overshadowed by his brother’s screen presence. Twinkle Khanna as Roopa is earnest but struggles with a poorly written character, limiting her ability to leave a lasting impact.
Direction and Screenplay
Dharmesh Darshan, who had previously directed successful films like "Raja Hindustani," attempts to recreate the magic but falters with "Mela." The screenplay, penned by Robin Bhatt, Sutanu Gupta, and K.K. Singh, is riddled with clichés and lacks coherence. The narrative tries to juggle multiple genres but ends up being a disjointed affair. The dialogues are uninspired and fail to resonate with the audience.
Music and Cinematography
The music, composed by Anu Malik, is one of the few redeeming qualities of the film. Songs like "Dhadkan Mein Tum" and "Mela Dilon Ka" are melodious and have a certain nostalgic charm. However, the placement of songs within the narrative often disrupts the flow of the film.
Cinematography by Rajan Kinagi captures the vibrant essence of a traditional Indian fair, with colorful visuals and grand sets. Despite this, the film's editing is choppy, and the action sequences, choreographed by Tinu Verma, lack finesse.
Themes and Analysis
"Mela" aims to be a masala entertainer with elements of revenge, romance, and drama. However, it fails to offer anything new or engaging. The revenge plot is predictable, the romantic angle is half-baked, and the dramatic moments lack emotional depth. The film attempts to capitalize on Aamir Khan's star power but underutilizes his acting prowess.
The portrayal of the village and the fair is stereotypical, and the film's treatment of its female lead is regressive. Roopa, despite being the catalyst for the story, is relegated to a damsel in distress for most of the film