BLACK FRIDAY
The Bombay blasts occurred in 1993. The film was made in 2004. The Mumbai High Court then placed a ‘stay order’ on the film, preventing it from a theatrical release. Now in 2007 it breaks from circulation in only film festivals to theatres across the US. Black Friday. Why the courts banned the film, isn’t something we’ll uncover, but WHY you should see it…is!
March 12, 1993 was a day in Bombay where people in the city weren’t playing football, cricket, or dodge ball, but instead they were dodging bombs. 13 bombs total wounded the city in various parts. The Bombay Stock Exchange exploded not with the flurry of stock prices, but explosives. That day is known as BLACK FRIDAY. The attacks were believed to be a retort from militant Islamic groups to the demolition of the over 3-century-old Babri Mosque by Hindu fundamentalist.
Sensitivities of both Hindus and Muslims were provoked. Riots broke, the atmosphere was consumed of chaos. WHO would conspire such a coordinated and destructive plan? HOW would they achieve their mission? WHAT would the political and judicial system do to reinstate order?
Based on a book by S. Hussein Zaidi, writer/director Anurag Kashyap unfolds the answers. An intense film extremely well made, it presents facts, presumptions, and LOTS of food for thought. If you were aware of the events that occurred, the aftermath, and the verdict then the film is likely to take you down memory lane. Nostalgia of the horrendous time resurfaces from actual video clips of newscasts. If you’re devoid of the episode, this film does a fair job of giving the basics and then some. It holds no bars in pointing direct fingers at Pakistan’s ISI branch and Indian political personalities. So the question arises if the film is entirely fact based without bias? Well the truth of the matter is, in cases as such; the real truth is rarely uncovered publicly. What appears on screen is a mix of Kashyap’s interpretation and hard facts, depicted in a credible manner.
The viewer can easily grasp the course of events and walk out understanding who, what, when, where, and how. Additionally you walk out with a new-formed respect for the Indian police. Most other films write the police force off as corrupt, but as shown in the film, the task team assigned to this case proves their sincerity. With India’s population and numerous small villages, it’s easy to hide for criminals but not easy to operate for police. Regardless of the challenges, the police keep going with their relentless efforts.
All the actors come across seasoned. Kay Kay Menon is exceptional as is Pawan Malhotra.
Anurag and the editing team have done a superb job shooting pivotal sequences without getting too graphic. Technically the film is brilliant. For having been made prior to 2004 and releasing in 2007 the film does not look dated at all. The cinematography, sound, lighting, and art direction are commendable. The background score flows.
There are many positives to the film, however it’s not free of flaws. Some scenes were long and drawn out, specifically the chapter of Badshah Khan. A good 10 minutes could have been cut. Violent content and foul language make it an inappropriate watch for young viewers.
BLACK FRIDAY is an anomalous watch that defines ‘bold’ in every frame. A MUST SEE watch for fans of stimulating cinema with Ritu's 4 stars.