Giles Nuttgen’s camera doesn’t flinch from the beauty and the grime. The cinematography could’ve easily converted the multi-layered character-study into a touristic over-view. But Nuttgen takes us into the darkest areas of the human condition to search for the peace that prevails under the panic of existence. And A.R. Rehman’s music, his best in years, uplifts the mood of tragic pathos.
Lisa Ray looks stunning as always and emotes with flourish. John Abraham is perfect for the part. Known for his handsome looks all the while, you notice the maturity in his performance in Water. It’s Sarala as little Chuhiya whom you’ll find hard to get out of your head. She is the most credible child performer on a par with Ayesha Kapoor in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black.
Water leaves us with much hope – and some frightening misgivings. More or less, it is a classic that India was deprived of for a year. Obstacles in the form of opposition and protests against the film also are in the waiting for its controversial subject.
Rating: 8/10
Hanumant Bhansali
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