Delhi - 6 : *** 1/2

This is the only clue you'll get : A black monkey with a motherboard and flashing lights on it's chest that turns invisible.

While watching Rang de Basanti (RDB) in a theatre, did you ever wonder at the intermission "Is there a point to this story ?" Well, that's the same emotion that envelopes you as the INTERMISSION sign comes up in Delhi-6. Sure, you find yourself laughing and smiling at the various characters and their quirks, but you really wonder through the slow opera of the bylanes of Delhi that's unfolding if the director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is playing it safe after the phenomenon of RDB by just being autobiographical.

And then, in a single moment midway through the second half, he unveils his masterplan. And it is as courageous as you expected from him. Suddenly, you realise how all the little stories that formed the first half of the movie weren't just random, but infact part of a much larger vision the director had in mind. 

Will he have the same success as RDB ? That's a different story. Time will tell, because this time he exposes a truth much more closer to our hearts than our apathy and how people will react to be being 'shown their own reflection in a mirror' will be a good indicator of the present day Indian's mind - whether we're progressing or regressing.

For those who want a synopsis, Abhishek brings his grandmother back to India from USA for her final days. It's his first trip to India. He's welcomed well by the multi-dimensional community and finds India a charming mystery with jalebis, fuedal brothers, caste issues, the aspiring and the submissive Indian girl ... and of course, his first Ram-Leela.  He has no idea what's in store for him... 

I don't know if you can call Abhishek or Sonam as the stars of the film. In the end, it's entirely a director's movie, but true, it needed a strong cast of actors to convey the message. And they do just great. Such a large star cast and not one of them seemed like a weak link to me. The symbolism of various everyday activities too is well captured. The picturisation and the music are top-notch and blend in quite well. 

Yet.... you can't help but feel something's missing this time around. Still, a very good effort.  

P.S. I'd really be interested to know what you guys and gals out there thought of this movie. Because I predict it's gonna have an equal share of fans and detractors.