The satisfaction of watching an unconventionally good Hindi film and see it garner a great response at the box-of office too, is something else altogether. Kudos to director Abhishek Kapoor for making ‘Kai Po Che’ one of those rare gems, which shine bright despite all odds.There’s nothing going for it in terms of the quintessential ‘Bollywood blockbuster’ – unknown faces as leads, a director whose success for his last film (‘Rock-On’) was conveniently credited to a certain Mr Farhan Akhtar, no item numbers and lastly, a book adaptation of a‘not so classy’ Indian author: Chetan Bhagat. Yet, this one’s among the best films to come out of the Hindi film industry in recent times. In that sense, ‘Kai Po Che’ is a hallmark stating that quality cinema will triumph and reach audiences no matter what. And one doesn’t need a Salman Khan to ring in the moolah. Adapted from Bhagat’s bestselling novel ‘The 3 Mistakesof My Life’, ‘Kai Po Che’ is the finest translation of the writer’s work on celluloid so far (contrary to the overrated ‘3 Idiots’, based on his novel ‘Five Point Someone’).

And after all the criticism his writings have attracted by the so-called intellectuals, Bhagat can now have the last laugh with respect to his mass appeal over class, with ‘Kai Po Che’. Breaking conventions and fantasies of Indian cinema, this film truly goes beyond parameters in showcasing the real India. And mind you, its realism that not only disturbs but also has a feel-good element. While it portrays the sheer unforgiving side of the country, it also presents the exceptional humaneness and spirit of a place that’s constantly grappling with issues of complex diversity and deep rooted contradictions.And the three lead characters –Sushant Singh Rajput, Raj Kumar,Yadav and Amit Sadh – are simply outstanding in representing each of these distinct Indian facets. In-sync with the restraint and sensitivity with which Kapoor tells this story, thet hree boys (Rajput and Sadh being television actors) just amaze you with their talent and craft. The film creates a definite sense of place too with the essence of Gujarat coming alive beautifully through language, the political backdrop and vibrantly colourful streets.

Along with being a tale of three friends, whose friendship symbolises the country’s age-old belief ‘Unity in diversity’, it is also an account of crucial events in the history of a state that changed its dynamics forever.The screenplay by Pubali Chaudhari, Supratik Sen, Abhishek Kapoor and Chetan Bhagat is fluid while the cinematography (Anay Goswamy) and music (Amit Trivedi) enhance the cinematic experience to the fullest. The film has already made its presence felt at the 63rd BerlinInternational Film Festival with a standing ovation and it deserves all the viewing and accolades.‘Kai Po Che’ is a must watch for a ‘real’ writer, an honest filmmaker and three explosive performers.