Review of Kya Kehna

Introduction

Tips films now joins the world of Indian DVD with this feature, which they themself have produced in India. However while they do manage a good job on this title, some improvements could have been made to it extra special......

Video

The picture on this DVD is not presented in its original aspect ratio of 2:35.1 but the 2.20:1 frame on this disc does cover a fair amount of picture ratio. Cropping is not a real issue but I do wish that Tips would try and present their movies in their original aspect ratio for future releases. Also introducing anamorphic would be a bonus but that seems unlikely for a while.

The picture contains no signs of any compressed artefacts while blemishes, dust marks and grain also present no major problems on this DVD. Picture detail is quite good at times with some sharpness but it does tend to get a little harsher then usual, during certain moments, making the picture seem uneven and unnatural. Also the colour saturation seems to be overbalanced making a natural green colour into a bright luminous green colour. This overall impact gives the film a looks that resembles like a long high glossed television promotion. Luckily the fidelity does not suffer from problems like colour bleeding but it could have been toned down a bit.

Contrast is a little too bright and dark details and shadows are slightly weak not revealing as much detail as it should. But the major problem on this DVD is the amount of shimmering and moiré effects this DVD has. It is too distracting and it does effect the overall quality as in every scene this problem can be spotted.

Audio

The sound on this DVD is presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 track and is a blessing with no problems what so ever. Vocal performances and the music score are treated with a great deal of warmth and range. Clarity and definitions are key players within the soundtrack and really impresses the viewer. Songs are also handled well without sounding too harsh as it did on its theatrical run.

Features

We are also offered some fine extras which consists of a `making of...` and the theatrical trailer. The `making of...` runs for 25 mins and is presented in widescreen 2:35.1 aspect ratio. The picture and sound quality is of digital broadcast quality, which is rather good. The `making of...` begins with the actors talking in character about what they represent and what insights they have about the film`s themes and situations.

This is quite a good presentation as characteristics founded here are not wholly presented in the main feature thus watching this will actually enhance viewing to a certain degree. We are then treated to an array of short interviews with the cast, director, screenplay/story writer, music director, producer and lyricist. I did enjoy this `making of...` as it is rather different from other promotion features which tend to be repetitive and boring. At the end of this feature we automatically get the original trailer, which can be viewed separately.

Unfortunately their is no chapter leaflet included with this DVD. Still with 43 chapter marks on the main feature it serves quite an impression as getting to your scene will be quick and easy. We are treated to seven postcards which are designed very well and adds some value to this DVD.

Menus are thematic in design and are a welcome treat. They are also very easy to navigate over. There are also a English subtitle track, but it is not 16x9 firendly.

Conclusion

Kya Kehna is a film that brings a wave of fresh air to us viewers after so many romantic and action films that were predictable and cliché. Filled with wonderful performances from all the cast, to a fine screenplay fitted within the brims of Hindi cinema. Songs are meaningful and melodious while adding narrative to the plot.

I should commend Preity Zinta for taking such a challenge and portraying her role exquisitely as Priya, bringing tremendous sensitivity to her portrayal of the happy go lucky girl who by circumstances becomes a responsible woman. -Worthy of an award in my view-

Director Kundan Shah`s filmography includes the fine Kabhi Naa Kabhi Haan (1993) and also the awful Hum To Mohabaat Karega (2000). Some directional flaws in this film can be found but they can be forgiven as the film serves a wonderful purpose by never boring us or making us disbelief the plot. It could have easily been a social movie that would have preached. But luckily the film doesn`t do that. Instead the film looks at the world thorough Priya`s eyes and shows us how she gets through her predicament using courage, love and reasoning. This way the film has a bigger impact on us audience. A must watch for all, including those hypocritical people -you know who you are!!!-

The DVD is not the best with its average picture quality. But other factors like the feature film, sound and extras makes this DVD a welcome treat from other poor DVD`s out there in the market.