After a series of appalling films following a nearly year-and-a-half hiatus,
Priyanka Chopra could seemingly do nothing right. In my Drona review, I declared that Ms. Chopra "best hope that the upcoming
Fashion and
Dostana revive what looks like a sinking career," and
damn it the lady has officially made me eat my own words.
That
Fashion is Chopra's career-best performance is evident as soon as, just before the interval, she develops a perpetual smirk on her face and settles into her newly-appointed supermodel status. But as ungrateful as her reel-life persona may be to the people who helped her get there, let's hope she shows some real-life gratitude to
Madhur Bhandarkar, the man who may have just salvaged her career.
Known for his women-centric subjects in past endeavors such as
Chandni Bar, Satta, Page 3 and Corporate, he makes no exception here in a film that essentially revolves around three women: a struggling model with huge aspirations (Chopra); a b-grade model who teaches other wannabes the ropes (debutante
Mugdha Godse) and a notoriously diva supermodel on the brink of downfall (
Kangana Raunat, of
Gangster and
Woh Lamhe).
Chopra indeed receives the most scope and makes the most of it, perhaps predicting that this could very well be her last shot. Instead of merely digging herself out of the aforementioned hole, she ends up proving that recent poor film selection notwithstanding, she is in fact the one with the most acting potential of the new generation beauty brigade.
Kangana is bearable when she uses her body language and expressions; unfortunately as soon as she starts shrieking in her ever-shrill voice, it gets to be a bit much. Newbie
Mughda is a good find either because she plays herself - a model - or she is in fact talented and one to look out for.
Kudos for the transitioning of Chopra from a small-town girl with bad clothes, cheap highlights and a bit of extra weight to a leaner, high-fashion achiever and then to an over-the-top, borderline tramp.
The main setback is the film's length. At two hours and 30 minutes, it feels more like three due to its often repetitive tendency. At times we feel we have seen enough shows and parties and have well understood the hypocrisy and superficiality of the coveted industry defined by glamor.
Verdict? A definite watch for a new subject and the return of
Priyanka Chopra.
"Peekaboo, I see you!"
"Peekaboo, I see you!"
