The Blue Umbrella - rating: 3and a half stars

The Blue Umbrella

Cast: Shreya Sharma and Pankaj Kapoor
Direction: Vishal Bhardwaj

Vishal describes this one as ‘a children’s film for adults’.

Going by the fine detailing that has gone into the film, nothing could be truer. The cinematography captures the seasons of Himachal in their entire splendor. Pankaj Kapoor as Khatri, the tea shall owner with a yen for pickle and all things beautiful, including the blue umbrella is in great form, lending the role grandeur akin to Maqbool. Young Shreya as the hillside lass is cunning and cute, in the same breath. And Ruskin Bond’s colorful little tale of an umbrella that turns a quaint village upside down has lovely little pep pills about honesty and kindness.

Khatri is quite contented with life until he spots the village kid dangling the dazzling Japanese umbrella before his eyes. He loses his not only peace of mind but also his morals in his mad desire for possession. But what’s the use of possessing it? Wisely asks the village urchin.

Well, what’s the use in watching a beautiful sunset, counters connoisseur Khatri? The rest is of course an exotic mix of grisly bears, greasy morals, and good old nemesis.

The film has just won the National Award for Best Children’s film. Only, we would recommend it for adults too and make a silent wish… Will some more film makers come forward and fill in the glaring gap in indigenous children’s entertainment.