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Contains mild language and a crash scene. Experimental filmmaker Mahesh Dattani writes and directs respected stage and screen actress Shabana Azmi in Morning Raga, a fine piece of contemporary Indian drama. Azmi plays Swarnalatha, a classically trained singer who abandons her career after the death of her son. Years later she comes in contact with struggling musician Abhinay (Prakash Rao) and aspiring singer Priyanka (Perizaad Zorabian), who try to re-ignite her passion through the unifying force of music. Acted entirely in English, this is a refreshing change from the typical Bollywood escapist fare.
Swarnalatha hasn't left her village in years, never daring to cross the bridge where her son died. In contrast, Abhinay, who lost his mother in the same accident, can't wait to break for the city to pursue his dream of forming a band. But then he bumps into Priyanka, heading towards his home for her own personal reasons. Fusing Carnatic (South Indian) music with contemporary western sounds, the talented trio help each other cope with the emotional loss of their loved ones.
"KEEPS THE AUDIENCE'S INTEREST LOCKED"
Dattani's balanced script ensures Morning Raga's message is unraveled at a steady pace, and in doing so keeps the audience's interest locked. Welcome light-hearted moments are provided courtesy of Priyanka's gregarious boutique owner mother Mrs Kapoor (Lillete Dubey). Thankfully, despite the film's musical theme, Mani Sharma and Amit Heri's soundtrack doesn't drown out the story, instead allowing a fantastic finale number and solid performances by Azmi, Rao and Zorabian to steal the show.
Music: Mani Sharma, Amit Heri
