Raincoat (2004)

Raincoat Poster

Tells the story of two lovers, separated by destiny, who meet again one day. This encounter allows each to realize the truth about the lives they are living.

Film Overview
"Raincoat" is a critically well-known Bollywood film launched in 2004. Directed by Rituparno Ghosh, the film is an adjustment of O. Henry's narrative, "The Gift of the Magi". It includes 2 of the most significant stars in Indian movie theater, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Ajay Devgn. The movie primarily focuses on the themes of love, sacrifice, and survival while capturing city life's melancholy and drama. It's a poignant tale of two former enthusiasts who meet again after several years, each concealing their life's undesirable realities.

Plot Synopsis
The story begins with Manoj (Ajay Devgn), a bad, out of work guy from a town in Bihar, checking out Kolkata on a mission to get financial assistance from his buddies for his business. Nevertheless, his genuine intent is to fulfill his old lover, Neerja (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). Manoj finds that Neerja, now known as Neeru, is wed to a wealthy guy, leading an expected life of luxury.

Throughout his see to Neerja's house, her husband is not at home, giving Manoj the possibility to relive old memories. As they talk about the past, Manoj unsuspectingly reveals his grim financial status while pretending to be successful. Neerja, on the other hand, pretends to lead a happy married life even though her husband left her and she's in a severe monetary crunch.

Style Development and Character Portrayal
"Raincoat" is a subtle yet extensive exploration of life's realities masked by pretension. As Manoj and Neerja reunite and share stories, they each try to hide their the terrible reality behind a veil of lies. Both Devgn and Bachchan deliver compelling efficiencies, bringing depth to their characters' battles and including psychological layers to the narrative.

Manoj is an ordinary male driven by his love and take care of Neerja, looking for success not for his own fulfillment but to make her proud. Neerja, who once left Manoj for a rich suitor, now wishes for his love and care in her desolation, advising us that money doesn't ensure joy.

Climax and Conclusion
The climax sees the unmentioned reality of their lives permeating into their discussion, exposing the severe conditions they're in. Manoj finds that Neerja's hubby deserted her, while Neerja discovers Manoj's dire monetary state. Yet, their love for each other remains undamaged, unblemished by the bitterness of their situations.

In a final act of love, Neerja presents Manoj her gold bangles, hidden inside a raincoat - her only income from selling gold, while Manoj leaves her an envelope of cash he collected for funding his business.

As the film concludes, the audience is left assessing their sacrifice - a testament to their unfulfilled however undying love. The film eloquently records the agonizing reality of life while highlighting the power of love and sacrifice.

Overall Reception
"Raincoat" was extremely appreciated by critics and audiences alike, and it won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Its expedition of love, sacrifice, and survival against all chances have actually made it a contemporary classic in Indian movie theater.

Top Cast

  • Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (small)
    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
    Neerja "Neeru"
  • Ajay Devgn (small)
    Ajay Devgn
    Manu
  • Annu Kapoor (small)
    Annu Kapoor
    Landlord
  • Mauli Ganguly
    Manu's friend wife
  • Pradip Adhikari
  • Kailash Koppikar
  • Kameshwar Mishra
  • Dilip Patra
  • Sameer Dharmadhikari (small)
    Sameer Dharmadhikari
    Alok
  • Gulzar (small)
    Gulzar
    Poetry (voice)
  • Surekha Sikri (small)
    Surekha Sikri
    Manu's mother