Dhobi Ghat

wogma rating: Add to 'must watch' list (?)

quick review:

It's different, it's sincere, it's inconclusive, it's abstract in its own way. It's intriguing and it leaves you dissatisfied. It has brilliant performances along with some bits of Aamir Khan being Aamir Khan. It is a mellow affair that's soothing yet unnerving.

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Director: Kiran Rao
Running time: 95 minutes
Genres: Noir, Romance
More Movie Info

Dhobi Ghat - Preview

The tagline/alternate name 'Mumbai Diaries' along with what you see in the promos scream - a film set in the city of dreams, which is also the big, bad city. One more film named after another popular location in Mumbai, Bhindi Bazaar - Bhindi Bazaar Inc. is going to be added to this already over-crowded space of Mumbai's underbelly.

Mumbai is cruel yet she can be warm. We know this. Does Kiran Rao & co. have anything new to say, or do they say it in a different way at least? The first promo offers hope. The promos structure itself is intriguing. And the music sticks.

Note how there is absolutely nothing new about the way Mumbai is shot or presented. Nor does it promise to be a 'different' story. It actually clearly indicates that it just might be a boy-meets-girl-meets-boy-meets-girl story. And yet, there is something very engaging about the way it is done. And the hope is that the film will do the same.

The promo was loved by many and did its rounds on Facebook and twitter. And like with any other Aamir Khan product, the expectations are extremely high. With him we have come to expect a sophisticated film. And with every word that he says to belittle our intelligence his own words those expectations only go higher.

You see a glimpse of the smugness in the following video. Only to be completely taken over by how they found one of their main leads.

That's the thing about a film Aamir Khan is associated with, it has that something extra to look forward to despite the 'smarter-than-thou' way in which it is dealt out.

And here's the biggest surprise of them all. In the day and age where Hindi movies are known to rake in the moolah with sale of music albums, Dhobi Ghat doesn't have a music album at all! Now that's being 'different' even by Aamir standards!

- meeta, a part of the audience

Love is elusive. Whatever the heart is after is seldom within reach. In fact, more often than we'd like, even what we 'really' want escapes us. This is the broad stroke Kiran Rao paints with Dhobi Ghat. She does so very quietly, hand-in-hand with her mild, four subdued characters. It actually feels like she's reading their diaries out to us. She passes judgment on the society we form - the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the "educated" and the illiterate, the secularists and the socialists. But she is almost mute as she goes about it. And none of this gets boring BUT the spark is conspicuous by its absence. Like leftover champagne from yesterday - not yet flat but not as relish-worthy as when the cork first popped.

The setting could have been New York, Sydney, or even Pune. Any reasonable-size town is likely to have a slum dweller with larger-than-life aspirations, an NRI poking around the slums, an artist with an attitude, and an unsuspecting immigrant who is trying to figure the city out. Kiran Rao chose Mumbai and I'm not complaining. Mumbai does have her way of providing warmth with ruggedness, and that is the exact texture Dhobi Ghat gives the maya-nagri.

Besides, I love the city and I romanticize my visits there just like Yasmin (Kriti Malhotra) does with her home videos. Her awe is as evident as her discomfort. Her resolve to find amusement in her boring life is ironic considering the hustle around her. It ain't new but the contrast hasn't come through in a movie earlier. Isn't it amazing that in a city where even stray dogs seem to be in a rush, housewives (other than Yasmin too) entertain themselves with TV in the middle of the day?

You observe Yasmin along with Arun (Aamir Khan). Her simple story is absorbing. And it's very intriguing that Yasmin aroused more emotion and attachment than the more complex Arun. Maybe that's how it was meant to be, because Arun is supposed to evoke indifference. But such characters who don't make me feel anything for them leave me dissatisfied with the movie experience. Arun might just be the weakest character of the four. After all he's the only one who gets relatively melodramatic in this subtle environment, albeit only towards the end.

And yet not everyone is me. Arun does manage to capture Shai's (Monika Dogra)imagination. A large part of Shai represents the stereotype of the returned-non-resident Indian who is on a poverty tour. But her emotions for Arun make you feel for her and reach out to her.

And in turn you also want good things to happen to Munna (Prateik). You know his desires are beyond his reach, but you smile at his immaturity and want him to learn from his mistakes. I loved the person he grows to become.

Like them or not, each character has been written in detail and has an arc of their own. And that is what keeps the viewer going in this otherwise dull ambience. There are some brilliant, mostly-earthy performances; except for Aamir Khan who pretty much stays the star he is. There's also the slight touch of humor. But, it slides into documentary mode every once in a while. There are certainly no conclusions, no strong messages, nothing that can be called 'entertaining'. The intention is to leave the audience high and dry.

Yet the seasoned festival delegate will find Dhobi Ghat like every other 'decent' film he sees. And the masala-seeker might just curse the money he spent on the Aamir Khan brand. It is for the in-betweens that the film will work for best.

And this takes nothing away from debutant director Kiran Rao. I like her casting. The charming faces are the aces in her sleeve. I like the milieu she has created, especially the home video parts. I like her taste in background music and her decisions on when to use it and not. And yet I can't point a finger at why this was a fine but not a wholesome experience. Maybe because I'm made to see how lonely each one of us is, no matter what our background is...

- meeta, a part of the audience

55 reviewers(?) - 34 yays 16 so-so 5 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Stefan S, A Nutshell Review : ...Recommended!... full review

Thumbs up, by Naresh Deoshi, Apun Ka Choice : ...It’s surely not a film for the suckers of speed - the folks who trip on imaginative shot compositions, slick editing, brisk pace punctuated with quip-heavy dialogues and more such screenplay-savvy gimmickry.... full review

Thumbs up, bigoye.com : ...Kiran Rao has delivered a unique cinematic experience and she is one filmmaker who slips into the top slot with her maiden venture.... full review

Thumbs up, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...With just four players, she attempts to communicate an impression of the teeming symphony that is Mumbai, and she follows the path trodden by recent first-time female filmmakers like Nandita Das and Zoya Akhtar... full review

Thumbs up, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...DHOBI GHAT catapults Kiran Rao alongside the likes of accomplished storytellers like Mira Nair and Deepa Mehta with her intensely intelligent script.... full review

Thumbs up, Bollywood Mantra : ...‘Dhobi Ghat’ is a step forward to bring the parallel cinema to the mainstream. As all new transition takes time, this type of films will also take their own suitable time to impress their audience.... full review

Thumbs up, by Manu Agrawal, Desi Martini : ...Prateik was amazing as a passionate youngster falling in love, while Monica sizzled as the innocent seductress. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rony D'costa, Desi Martini : ...Kiran Rao s direction is like meditation. Calm, composed and exploring moments like Arun adding rain water in his whisky or Yasmin writing a name on the sand which the waves keep on erasing all the time. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Payal Khanna, Desi Martini : ...Not too long and neither too short to leave the mystery unsolved, Dhobi Ghat is still director and writer Kiran Rao's good attempt at first shot.... full review

Thumbs up, by Rhea Srivastava, Desi Martini : ...Kriti Malhotra's track, the only one which isn't directly related to any other, is yet the most moving because of her ease with the camera, literally.... full review

Thumbs up, Dunkdaft : ...If you love the city of Mumbai - this one is a must watch.... full review

Thumbs up, by Deepa Gahlot, Film Impressions : ...Even with Aamir Khan sticking out with his confused what-to-do demeanor, and its self-conscious artiness, the film is worth a look for the charm of the other actors and the inexorable beauty-in-ugliness (shot with love by Tushar Kanti Ray), of the city. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sukanya Venkatraghavan, Filmfare : ...Aamir Khan as Arun the painter brings a presence to the film that is reassuring.... full review

Thumbs up, by K K Rai, Filmfare : ...Kittu Gidwani and others provide able support to the main cast of the flick. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Divya solgama, Gomolo.in : ...Prateik marked her debut in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, he has done a good job out here too, but still has to learn more in this field. His natural instincts are good and manage to leave a mark in the climax shot.... full review

Thumbs up, by Kaveree Bamzai, india today : ... Some directors use sledgehammers to make their point. Others use a scalpel. Well, welcome the scalpel. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sanjukta Sharma, Live Mint : ...The film’s narrator is Yasmin, who has an overawed, and often poetic, point of view of the city—its rain, filth, the sea and throbbing human convergences.... full review

Thumbs up, by Sarita Tanwar, MiD DAY : ...Viewers will go in expecting a certain kind of a film -- what with Aamir Khan in it -- and might feel they haven't got their money's worth.... full review

Thumbs up, Movie Talkies : ...Beautiful Portrait, Inspiring Cinema ... full review

Thumbs up, by Anupama Chopra, NDTV : ...Rao also observes human behavior keenly... full review

Thumbs up, by Satyen K. Bordoloi, Now Running.com : ...a stunning debut ... full review

Thumbs up, by Aseem Chhabra, Outlook India : ...Dhobi Ghat has a sad soul, but it is a very satisfying film-going experience.... full review

Thumbs up, by Padmaja Thakore, Passion for Cinema : ...Background score by Gustavo Santaolalla is outstanding in its support of a film that tells a large part of its story visually and moves at a reflective pace... full review

Thumbs up, by Magik, Passion for Cinema : ...The last time I remember feeling so hysterical after watching a film was Pankaj Sir’s ‘Sankat City’ (May his soul rest in peace). ... full review

Thumbs up, by Lidia Ostepeev, Planet Bollywood : ...Although Khan gives a contained and understated performance, he is just too emphatic a presence. It’s hard to suspend disbelief when you have megawatt star power blazing in front of you. Instead of getting lost in his character, I found myself thinking about the actor and how different this role is from his previous ones. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Reuters : ...Rao captures this and so many other myriad hues of the city marvellously in her directorial debut, a deeply insightful portrait of four individuals who find and lose love and deal with loneliness in Mumbai.... full review

Thumbs up, by Ruchi Mehta, Roochster : ...The background music is perfect for the movie and the fact that there was no interval really works. It keeps you hooked.... full review

Thumbs up, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...You have delicious moments like street children dancing an impromptu jig on seeing her camera, or a housemaid captured reluctantly on tape with her educated daughter reciting Tennyson. ... full review

Thumbs up, by K N Gupta, SmasHits.com : ...the director succeeds in delivering well-founded characters in a good plot and script. The canvas looks real and that's a director's job well done... full review

Thumbs up, The Friday Freak : ...I normally do not review Aamir Khan movies, because I know the movie will be awesome and it’s a waste of my ticket money to see movies that are destined to be epic ... full review

Thumbs up, by Nikhat Kazmi, Times of India : ...a compelling picture of urban angst that has become the hallmark of big city life.... full review

Thumbs up, by filmbear, Upper Stall : ...Given this, it’s frustrating to stare at the loose ends... full review

Thumbs up, by Rummana Ahmed, yahoo! India : ...Kiran handles Yasmin with rare craftsmanship and it's her story that stays with you even after you have left the theatre, almost like Satyajit Ray's handling of Charulata's boredom and heartache. ... full review

Thumbs up, by SpiceZee Bureau, Zee News : ...Amidst the ocean of humanity in a city that is known for its cosmopolitanism, the four actors portray characters that are nothing but real. ... full review

So-So, by Nishtha Bhatnagar, Alpha : ...Dhobi Ghat is like reading a book that leaves you somewhat intrigued and somewhat confused with its story, language and build up.Dhobi Ghat is like reading a book that leaves you somewhat intrigued and somewhat confused with its story, language and build up.... full review

So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...if you are an avid fan of WORLD CINEMA then DHOBI GHAAT may turn out to be just an OK or above average film in the end... full review

So-So, by Bollyfan, Cinemaa Online : ...Aamir delivers one of his best performances to date, his body language, facial expressions and eyes speaking volumes. Though he’s discernibly ill-at-ease with the English dialogue, the lack of self-confidence glaring.... full review

So-So, by Vikramjit, Desi Martini : ...If a film resembles the mind of a maker, Kiran Rao's must be a half painted canvas, showing the brightest of colors but never giving you the complete picture.... full review

So-So, by Gaurav Gadre, Desi Martini : ...Monica Dogra as Shai was better than most of the other over rated star kids in the industry.... full review

So-So, by Deepa Garimella, fullhyd.com : ...And then, of course, there's Aamir Khan, not saying a lot, but lending a whole lot of body to a film that otherwise tends to slip into gimmicky-arty mode.... full review

So-So, by Pankaj Sabnani, Glamsham.com : ...The camera angles, busy streets and festive fervour of the pulsating city, are efficiently showcased on celluloid.... full review

So-So, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...Director Kiran Rao makes some interesting points, but there are a few things that just don’t work. The overuse of coincidence, for one.... full review

So-So, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...Her drawing of Arun aka Aamir, who claims he had to fight for the part, is ironically the weakest strand. ... full review

So-So, by Komal Nahta, koimoi : ...Masses may avoid; classes may go for a different experience.... full review

So-So, Mixed Bag : ...Gustavo Santaoalla’s music was intertwined carefully in the movie with one dhobi and too many ghats and the background score quite well complemented the backdrop of Mumbai. Slow and addictive. ... full review

So-So, by Raj Narayan, MSN Entertainment : ...Good production values, decent actors, a nuanced director for the future, haunting music. Now, if only someone had tried to weave in some drama and tried to tell a story.... full review

So-So, by Noyon Jyoti Parasara, Now Running.com : ...Do not expect to see an Aamir Khan entertainer. Go only if you have an appetite for such cinema. ... full review

So-So, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...She clearly cares for her characters and has a massive crush on Bombay, her leading lady. Yet her lovesong, however earnest, just doesn't sound good enough.... full review

So-So, by Khalid Mohamed, Review and views uncensored : ...By the way, the Muslim haseena inscribes her name in sand in Urdu but writes in Hindi on the tapes. A linguist scholar, maybe.... full review

So-So, by Janhvi Patel, StarBoxOffice : ...Aamir Khan gets into the skin of his loner painter character beautifully. He leaves his superstar aura behind and makes Arun very real... full review

Thumbs down, by Gautam Chintamani, Buzz in Town : ...The whole deal of three or four characters whose lives collide and alter the course of their very existence has been done to death and Rao’s film does have a big Inarritu hangover.... full review

Thumbs down, by Blessy Chettiar, DNA : ...Singer-turned-actress Dogra is a natural and complements Babbar well. We’d definitely like to see more of the multi-talented Dogra. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Mansi, Everything Movies : ...It wasn't just me fidgety and cringing in my seat. I could hear people behind me whispering, '15 more minutes to go,' and comments which, honestly, were more entertaining than the dialogues. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Minty Tejpal, Mumbai Mirror : ...Since the slice-of-life film neither has an interval nor any discernible plot, you are by now squirming as the slim story loops around itself.... full review

Thumbs down, by Kunal Guha, yahoo! India : ...Watching a 95-minute-break-free movie (no interval here!) means a break from munching, slurping and burping (unless you stock up before you enter the screen). But for Dhobi Ghat, unfortunately, this undivided attention was completely undeserved.... full review

250 tweeters(?) - 160 yays 20 so-so 70 nays

yashpatodia: Dhobi Ghat, par excellence. Script, Cinematography, amazing end and @Shaair being the best part about it. Hats Off !

worldofpablo: Well well. Enjoyed Dhobi Ghat. Mumbai was a consistent scene stealer - Mohammed Ali Road in particular.

vittalp: Watched Dhobi Ghat and it's a good movie. Happy to see Bollywood starting to produce more of such movies.

VishuR: Watched Dhobi Ghat...!! A movie well made with a niche target audience in mind...!! A message well conveyed..!!

vishalmahajanin: dhobi ghat - excellent art house cinema

vishalbti: Dhobi ghat is a sexy movie...loved it

vishal_1505: Had a great time at Dhobi Ghat !!...xoxoxoxoxo

vikkyg007: A bollywood film in which every scene offers something to think is rare ... but dhobi ghat is out of d list ... I loved it .. very brave

viditb: Saw Dhobi Ghat yesterday .. awesome movie. I'd say it was art done artfully. but not all will like it. 95 minutes without break! (3.5/5) #fb

vidit_chaudhary: Dhobi Ghat Was Brilliant!

vaibhav3971: amir's exellent run continues with dhobi ghat ...it's awesom art movie good background music frm Gustavo Santaolalla :)

uditkulshrestha: Lovely ! Def my types ! Dhobi ghat! Must have A print !

TWEAK: still thinking about "Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries)" from last night. wow. I loved loved loved this indie bollywood pic! http://ow.ly/3II31

tusharsunita: You will either like or hate dhobi ghat.....i liked it

tusharbangera: Dhobi Ghat is a very intense and a different movie. I loved it.

Tull865: Dhobi Ghat. Captures the paradox of Mumbai so well. A wonderful city of infinite characters. And character.

tiru0979: Saw Dhobi Ghat.. ..What a fantastic movie... I LOVED IT..I Liked it.. Go & see the bollywood cinema is also changed it...imprsive KR direct

tilakkamod: dhobi ghat...what music...commendable performences by kriti,pratiek,monica dogra nd aamir khan with his salt n peppr hair...brillnt shots..

TheSaifKapadia: Dhobi ghat - brilliant film! Enjoyed it thoroughly! Great performances, great background score, great direction.

ThePaharGanj: Dhobi ghaat. Not for everyone, but I loved it!

techrsr: Saw Dhobi Ghat. Visually excellent, funny in some parts, sad at times, but: aimless story, inexplicable at times. Worth a watch.

tamannamishra: For whatever it's worth, I liked Dhobi Ghat.

swatinahar: Amazing shots, well flowing story line, incidents that r an everyday affair n an end wer standstill is stagnant truth... loved Dhobi Ghat!!

suvekchya: what a movie dhobi ghat. Must watch :)

suman1979: The movie at its best...... dhobi ghat

sudhir4me: dhobi ghat dekha bahut acchi hai........

subhajitm: Mr. Khan pushes the level of Indian cinema & raises the bar of film-making AGAIN with Dhobi Ghat.

subhadip_mondal: Kiran Rao makes a sensitive debut; A lyrical ode to the modern malady-metro-eccentricity -- Dhobi Ghat is intelligent and artistic cinema..

Stolen17: Love Dhobi Ghat!

startonomics: Dhobi ghat. Except the title and monotonous narration, liked everythin abt the movie. Cute n honest theme.

spiritdouble: Dhobi Ghat is such a beautiful movie.

Sourabh_M: ''Dhobi ghat'' is all moods and souls... An outstanding sketch.

simplyshiva: Dhobi Ghat is not for the masses, but for the classes. No wonder i loved it. :-)

siddhujagan: " Dhobi Ghat " was excellent .

ShringlaHV: Kiran Rao's 'Dhobi Ghat' z brilliant. New actors Kriti Malhotra @ Yasmin n Monica Dogra @ Shai were inspiring. A new look @ big, bad Mumbai

Sethumadhavan: Dhobi Ghat- a nice tribute to Bombay and a good experiment, Prateik rocks & Monica Dogra is hot :)

secretshreyes: dhobi ghaat.... a brave and brilliant attempt..people may not like the slow screenplay but thats d beauty of it... must watch 4 arty fans..

sayhiavi: Aamir am sorry had to watch Dhobi ghat in a pirated CD, but dude u are a saving grace to Indian Cinema..will watch it again in a movie plex

Satya_kam: Watched movie- dhobi ghat! Good! Its' just like a personal diery!

satishs: After ages, saw 2 movies on consecutive days. Dhobi Ghat stays with you, esp if you've lived in Bby. NOKJ is a bit of a drag.

satdrasing: Amir Khan did his fantastic job in Dhobi Ghat.....Must watch it....

santhomee: Dhobi ghat needs to be sent to the Oscars. Kiran rao and aamir are great. I had a sense of deja vu from ray's style of filmography. Super!

sAnd1pAn: watched dhobi ghat ... awesome ..@aamir_khan

sakshamgarg88: A-mazing movie.. Dhobi Ghat.. Kudos to kiran rao n amir Khan. Superbly put movie.

rvlemmings: Dhobi Ghat is a truly great movie. Highly recommended.

rugwed: Dhobi Ghat is a nice piece of art... Subtle, sensitive and simple.

rrk312: Saw Dhobi Ghat!!! A very different Bollywood movie!!! Direction was really good, but there was not much story in the movie!!!

rohanmann: Highly recommends Dhobi Ghat for anyone who would like to taste non-stereotypical Indian cinema. That movie is sheer beauty!

rockingak: watched dhobi ghat this weekend, great script n awesome narration but amir ............. #can'tsay

rinkal_bhatia: Dhobi Ghat excellent,simple,honest rendition f lives f four ordinary people doing ordinry things It raises t bar f wht movies shld be like.

renuka_tayade: Ais' gift were surprise! Lots of clicks, presentation on TH. Some stomach ache.Some1's not speaking to me. Dhobi ghat was good :) REPUBLIC!!

real_lubna: I really liked #Dhobi Ghat...a serene solitary melancholy unfolds....Some traits of the characters matches mine.

raviteja109: Watched dhobi ghat, screenplay was totally quite clean n good. Like the film even it is arty n slow. Rating : 3.75/5

Ravinder_Dagar: Beautifully shot and evocative background score, 'Dhobi Ghat' is occasionally indulgent and moves at a glacial pace. Worth watch !!!

randomwalkers: just saw Dhobi Ghat - so raw, so intense yet subdued, so touching. the background score, in parts, was that of a morgue.

Rancho177: watch dhobi ghat, its for those who believe in incomplete moments wch leave an indelible mark in ur life.more power2kiran rao n aamir rocks.

rana_yelugula: Last night i saw golkonda h....,it was average.....expected a lot from that. Just now completed dhobi ghat movie is so moving n excellent.

Rajiv_M: Jan has given us 3 good films.. Dhobi ghaat , aadukalam , no one killed jessica ..

RahulxC: Did I just watch the Indian 'Lost in Translation'? Dhobi Ghat was an absolute masterpiece. Probably the best film to come out of Bollywood.

Raghavamanglik: Just saw dhobi ghat. It is a unique bollywood movie that should be seen atleast once . It highlights well the intervening of peoples lives.

prodizy: Loved the characters of Dhobi Ghat. Superb acting(except for Amir). Just when the film starts to touch your heart, it ends. #dhobighat

pretty_deepti: just came from shopping,movie....saw dhobi ghat........great movie......just loved it!!!

prernao2: Enjoyed "Dhobi Ghaat", could feel a painting being created. Shot innumerable pics through the lens of the lead female actor

prasadn007: Dhobi Ghat ! if u have a artistic mind and lots and lots of Patience, you will love the movie.

praptibagga: Watched Dhobi ghaat..refreshing and very different movie

Prajology: Hi Amir, Saw Dhobi Ghaat.....liked it! it was good...

postproduction: Kiran Rao's dhobi ghat - interesting perspective on diametrically different lives looking for common ground, desperately. Fabulous!

pencil_prongs: I second that! RT @tusharbangera : Dhobi Ghat is a very intense and a different movie. I loved it. #itstrue

Pathfyynder: Dhobi Ghaat is movie 2 watch. Loved the treatment 2 it with out of the world picturization.Fresh faces,no interval,uncomplicated characters

ParineetiChopra: Also - watched Dhobi Ghat. brilliant film, loved it!!!

pankajsahab: dhobi ghat is really a nice movie. good to see it. great job aamir khan.

orangetory: Went to see Dhobi Ghat this evening, absolutely stunning and beautifully shot film, shame it's not been picked up by @curzoncinemas etc

Niyantha: Loved Dhobi Ghat. Need to get the background score, Gustavo Santaolalla's brilliant.

nehamaini: Liked Dhobi Ghaat. Differently told. And no, it's not about mumbai.

NeaNRS: absolutely loved Dhobi Ghat =) #mustwatch

navinbajaj: Dhobi Ghat chronicles life in Mumbai quite well. Good debut for Kiran Rao.

naveennathani: Saw Dhobi ghat yday...good movie, well made, a simple story devoid of any artificial characters.

nakulberry: Dhobi Ghaat was interesting...pretty trippy I must say!

mulchand: I loved Dhobi Ghat

mugdhakarnik: Dhobi Ghat... A good film after so long... Real Mumbai Diaries... Refreshing and innocent

Momonaik: Dhobi ghat: evoked emotions I hd forgotten to xperience. Essence of mumbai.. Beautiful film.

mishasinghal: the reason dhobi ghat touched me was because I live in Mumbai and I happen to have heart :) goodie me..honestly..nice watch!

melaniedsouza: Spectacular spectacular movie, Dhobi Ghat and really incredible cast. I love.

MaxDesmes: For ppl like me, who hav not been 2 mumbai n those who take things for granted. Dhobi ghat s a must see.

masihullahbudye: Just watched dhobi ghat. Awesome movie, master work by Amir Khan and team.

manomeng: Dhobi Ghat..Simply amazing cinema..Myriad moods of Mumbai wid all its hues and colors..Fell in luv wid Mumbai all ovr again.

mallikaelakhnau: Woke up. In pain! Dhobi Ghat hangover. @aamir_khan Nice film. Prateik almost mini Smita Patil. Same quiet intensity, same smile.

maheshgarg33: goodnight every one. saw dhobi ghat today. nice movie. out of reach of ordinary people.

Madhu086: watched dhobi ghat..good piece of filmmaking by kiran rao....astounding photography and captivating visuals....

maahin: Still loved Dhobi Ghat the second time round... but I am glad there were a few months in between. Might not have loved it so much sooner.

lordanshul: To mumbai: my muse, my whore, my beloved. thank u Kiran Rao for Dhobi Ghat.

leonmylan: Dhobi ghat was interestin. Enjoyed it,but I don't think the morons in the hall did.Their constan chattin made me wana tos my slipper at them

LabourRoom_I: is happy with the way indian cinema has evolved over the past few years. no smoking, dev d , gulaal, udaan and now Dhobi Ghat.

Kvnjg: Dhobi Ghat, a sincere attempt to present the contrasting lives in one of the great cities of this world. #fb

Kid_Glove: People tell me Dhobi Ghaat is pretty good. And Rangan brings up Sofia Coppola in his review. But I haven't even seen "Somewhere" yet. Ha!

kashifpasta: .@uroobajamal Dhobi Ghat was a really well-presented thought; a love letter to the good and bad of Mumbai from one of it's own

JustChetu: Watched DHOBI GHAT . It was simple, open minded and you looking for some different kind of movie. This one is for u.

jitenb: Dhobi Ghat: a great art documentary on bombay! good imagination...a commercial movie I'm not too sure. enjoyed it tho!

jinaydoshi: Just watched Dhobi Ghat, provided a glimpse in the beauty of Bbay most are unaware of.

jayantisingh: Dhobi ghat was good in parts. Liked the end. #sideyreview

Jagdeep_Kaur: just saw dhobi ghat...REALLY liked it... :D a good attempt...

ISAYMC: Watched dhobi ghat. Impressed.

irakarnik: Dhobi ghat - PURE POETRY.

imMalav: Loved DHOBI GHAT Superb Cinematography(Mumbai never luks so beautiful in any film b4),excellent music,fresh concept,unusual story telling..

iJoydeep: Don't know how one cannot like Dhobi Ghat. I liked Dhobi Ghat. Does that mean I am abnormal? #Dhobighat

iamnaitiksharma: just watched dhobi ghat ...........gr8 movie

iamkkd: Dhobi ghat is a movie ahead of its time, it slowly grows on u, I feel 'd enjoy it much more the second time than first time

hasmukhgada: Dhobi Ghat is a vibrant cinematic portrait, appending to the new wave of Indian cinema which I am extremely pleased to applaud.

Gopinathck: Watched Dhobi Ghat yesterday. Good Movie.

GefirVelpar: Director gives Mumbai fresh face in film "Dhobi Ghat"

fancy_nancydrew: LOVED Dhobi Ghat

drmahima: Dhobi Ghat - Classy work by Kiran Rao!!

dPsychc: Dhobi Ghaat is a beautiful piece of cinema. Somewhere between a Krzysztof Kieslowski and a Wong Kar-wai movie. And saying that means a lot.

dpreacher: dhobi ghat: awesome work. touching story. remarkable character portrayals. 95 mins. damn well spent.

DEJOTY: Dhobi ghat is well movie.

deanfrank: watched dhobi ghat and enjoyed the subtleties....and the simplicity.

DarKnight3: Loved Dhobi ghat we need more indie movies from bollywood

cyril_mirror: 'Dhobi ghat' one heck great story from mumbai dairies

cjpatel32: Dhobi Ghat is a good movie. Not your typical Indian (break out in songs) movie. Another good Amir Khan flick.

CinetalkByEros: Dhobi Ghat; One very interesting movie! http://fb.me/J4YkQgYd

choprap: Dhobi Ghat, a very nice movie :)

chinmay31: dhobi ghat gud one

ChantelleCabral: Dhobi Ghat #fab truly beautiful world cinema. Applause to the talented Kiran Rao. She brought out the best of the actors. #dhobighat

bopannakm: Dhobi Ghat is "thinking out of the box movie"! No wonder the crowd wont like it as ther's no masala..but all in all a thumb's up from me!

bobbyfaith: Dhobi Ghat... Kiran rao ne Dho daala.... A must checkout flick... Intense...

bilzomaniac: A statutory warning for those who liked yamla pagla deewana. Stay away from good movies like dhobi ghat!

basithilicious: dhobi ghat is artistically awesome movie ,Mumbai was portrayed better thru the eyes of Kriti (Yasmin)

barfix3: Dhobi Ghat - truly beautiful, another masterpiece on Aamir Khan's wall. Everyone should go watch it - it's only around 90 min long!

AvinashKunder: Dhobi Ghat Looks fine for 1 time viewing.. We Mumbaikars will like it.....

avantikabhuyan: 90 minutes of honest, sensitive story telling. Dhobi ghat makes you smile with all its simple goodness.

asinghania5nsit: Dhobi Ghat:An ode to the "City of Dreams" beautifully interwoven with delightful characters botching up their dream at every nook and corner

ashmita_s: Dhobi Ghat was as beautiful as it was disturbing.

Ashishtahiliani: Just saw dhobi ghat its a very intense movie well directed.

ARIN0007: Just watched the movie "Dhobi Ghat".....it's really a masterpiece for being different and unique in its own way.....i liked it very much !!

anusasidhar1987: Dhobi ghat --- i enjoyed the movie.. kiran rao has done a god job....it creates a fresh mood

anupgandhi88: Dhobi Ghat is an excellent movie....Great work #Shaair

ANI_KOOL90: Jst saw Dhobi Ghat..nice movie .Prateik Babbar was awesome.Monica Dogra (Shai)ws hot n aamir as usual flawless!!!

angyiscool: DHOBI GHAT a nice film... I liked it...!!!

angamparashar: Saw Dhobi ghat tonight and don't know what to say. It was a piece of pure art. But thats it; nothing more than that.

anasham1: Dhobi ghat rocz......outstnd wrk by kiran......

amritachatt: Dhobi ghat is really impressive.

amitsidhaarth: Watched dhobi ghat... A movie wid a difference...

amas32: Aamir khan has again outdone himself in Dhobi Ghat. Really loved Kiran Rao's treatment of the story. Every character was amazing.

allvishal: Two good movies in one day (Tangled, Dhobi Ghat). Not bad. Didn't get any work done, but not bad at all.

AkkuB: Had a movie marathon yest. Turning 30 followed by Dhobi Ghat! Liked both. The first being unexpectedly nice and the latter brilliant.

ajaykamalakaran: Dhobi Ghat's a nice movie. It shows #Bombay in a way that no film till date has. Makes me realise how much I love and have this city of mine

Agrawal_ani: Loved "Dhobi Ghat", which examined concepts of class, migration and voyeurism, an antidote to the western gaze of slumdog millionaire.

agentjay2009: When a movie conveys the story via silence and expressions, it has to be applauded. #dhobi ghat

absolute_purple: i liked dhobi ghat!

abhinavsunder: 'Dhobi Ghat' is slowly growing in me. Need to watch it again!

ABAB1: What a beautiful film "DHOBI GHAT" was .... I really liked it !!!

aB_hi5_shEk: Watched Dhobi Ghat. Nothing ground-breaking, but a nice different movie. Loved the way its shot, Monica Dogra & Prateik's acting.

aalaap: Dhobi Ghat was pretty good!

5hivani: Ok, quite simply put, I LOVED Dhobi Ghat

1idiott: wachd dhobi ghat..........well layered performances in a soft n subtle movie n handled gently by a sensitiv director.....brilliant,,dats it

11thHourMascot: Dhobi Ghat is a beautiful movie. Pratiek or however he spells his name...sigh...whaddaguy #swoon

_shanu: True amazing movie it is RT @LiteraryLapses I feel bad fo all those who couldn't enjoy Dhobi Ghaat as much as I did. That movie is beautiful

_OutofOrder_: OK I said I wont talk much abt it, and I didnt for 24 hours. Now, go watch Dhobi Ghat.

_nilanjana_: I _really_ liked Dhobi Ghat/Mumbai Dairies, but it seems to have divided its audiences. RT @chhabs on Dhobi Ghat http://bit.ly/hHJINB

_abhishekdubey: Dhobi Ghat is really good

ZarinaKhan27: Its been a cold weekend, my friends and I watched Dhobi Ghat today. Expected more from the movie but acting was good.

vishalhsanghvi: Dhobi Ghat-slow movie.nice picturisation.but din't understand the msg conveyed.seemed more like an Art movie.Don think evry1 would like it.

TrulyAditi: Saw Dhobi Ghat...great acting but found the story a bit boring...

thej: Watched Dhobi Ghat 2.5*s

TeaYouSHAR: Dhobi Ghat Ok Types.

sunilgivesup: Dhobi Ghat-slow but sensitive,beautifully shot n acted.Moments linger,but not memorable.Big letdown-Aamir: underplaying an underwritten role

santuwebstr: Dhobi Ghaat ( 2011 ) : Decent Movie.. Not Super duper great.. bt not yawning too :).. slow flow of movie was a gud move

samyvarghese: Watched Dhobi ghat today,Seems bit incomplete.....But watch out for Monica Dogra..

rupakrishnan: Dhobi Ghat-best vignette-Yasmin,movie-just abt ok. Prateik great tho never got wht reviewers hd agnst @aamir_khan's Eng lines, he was fine!

renee_yogi: Watched Dhobi Ghat today. Too intellectual for my taste...but Monica n Prateik were very good!

pnsathyan: Dhobi ghat - welcome change from the usual movies ,documentary style , technically good in some parts , some awful acting - average movie!

niranjan_r_k: "Dhobi Ghaat " ... nice movie ... dnt go with frnds ... gharpe dvd lake dekho ... end kya hua imagine karna padta hai

meghnd: Dhobi Ghat will not do well in India. For one thing, it has no particular story. It's just a really interesting ART film.

jhilmilmotihar: Dhobi Ghat was interesting but terribly indulgent.

JDnJOY: rather than showing excess intellectuality, 'Dhobi ghat' cud be little better movie.

hope_tree2010: Last night I watched Kiran Rao's new movie "DHOBI GHAT". Kiran's debut appears to be serious attempt to make something different. That's all

chewmysambhar: Dhobi Ghat is an arthouse attempt.Boring in parts, a lil confused script ,superb BG score and beautiful beautiful shades.

AuraofDreams: Dhobi Ghat...over-hyped but a good watch nonetheless. Worth it only coz of Prateik Babbar!

AforPal: Dhobi Ghat-cld hv been mr connected but not bad!

_ShallWe: Dhobi Ghat is a middling debut, watchable due to its nuances but not interesting enough to recommend.wd hv worked if it was a 40 min flick

venkatgutha: seen dhobi ghat yesterday.........never again to such movies......very frustrating.......

vatsalsinghal: dhobi ghat, worst movie possible!!

varpesagar: Dhobi ghat just bakwaas.guys,dont waste time and money.

vamsyt: hmmmmmmmmmm.... went for a boring movie "dhobi ghat" ystrday nyt......

tanqeed: Dhobi Ghaat has some good subtle moments but is boring and pretentious. http://www.tanqeed.com/movies/review.cfm?ireviewid=14

swayswati: Dhobi Ghaat is strictly not recommended, unless you're at a loose end with spare money to waste...

swathipradeep2: Peepli Live was worse, Dhobi Ghat is worst!!! :( Begun to loose interest in Aamir Khan movies :(

Suvayan: Dhobi Ghaat - Nothing but documentary, that too highly boring. Kiran Rao - Just another case of lucky spouse with a powerful better half.

SUPRRKOOL: Don't watch DHOBI GHAT plzzzzzzzzz :P

sunilmalhotra: Dhobi Ghat #Forgettables

sukhpalonline: Dhobi Ghat a huge FLOP and DISASTER http://sareeguru.com/blogs/2011/01/dhobi-ghat-a-huge-flop-and-disaster/

siddasrinivas: Today i watched Dhobi Ghat not so intrested ,,, boring movie

shahjignesh20: Aamir Fool banaya to muj ko gusa aaya, aamir ka kya kusur, uski biwi ka kasoor jisne dhobi ghat banaya,,,

Settipalli: "Dhobi Ghat" it's a crap movie , don't know what is their in it .

sanjeevkverma: Dhobi Ghat: hard to digest. Unfortunately all moviegoers are not film 'critics' and super human.

SANDEEPkiet: DHOBI GHAAT sucks,.,.

sagark1993: DHOBI GHAT the worst film of the year. It has no story,no script its senseless. Tweoples dont even see it bymistakely. :(

sachinprabhu23: Dhobi Ghat = Crap Movie

rvivek: I would like to believe I didn't understand Dhobi Ghat - unnecessary hype

RichajainNDTV: Good morning. Saw dhobi ghat yesterday. Didn't quite live up to my expectations. BTW kal S africa ne India ko dho dala.

reddy0414: Dhobi Ghat is the worst Pic..................

rajeevdhal: Dhobi ghaat is a full waste of time and money, I guess such movies should be banned, no logic, no moral of story, no fun, no story, useless

rahil_teekay: watched only t 1st half of dhobi ghat.. It wz so boring..

Priyanka202: kya dhulai hui Dhobi ghat mein.Utter waste,bakwas movie.

prayasl: 'Dhobi Ghat' #Epic_Fail.

OceanRJ: dhobi ghat mujhe toh kuch bi samajh nai aayi..y ths was made.

ntekeralam: Saw Dhobi ghat, nothing much... a documentary sort of film... not worth money. Not sure what Kiran Rao try to say by the film

nishantsangal: Watched Dhobi Ghat this weekend. Quite boring. I didnt liked it. Only story that was keeping me hooked was that of Munna and Shai.

neekaboo: Dhobi ghaat is boring. Definitely not for the big screen.

Nainanayak: saw dhobi ghat .. god I feel kiran rao should stay at home.. and really not make movies.. though prateik babbar was good..

nagwani: Watched Dhobi Ghat and the question is - What the hell was that about? Pointless IMO.

msthtsme: Dhobi Ghat disappointed me, it was like a human being without a soul... expected more and aamir khan disappoints as well:(

missindiakenya: Dhobi ghaat-below my expectations!!!!!!!!

Maria1110: Dhobi Ghat was awful. Don't waste your time and money.

maharatha: Dhobi Ghat was a wastage of time and Money.

madmonkeykungfu: Hadn't it been for Aamir Khan, neither of Peepli Live or Dhobi Ghat would have seen the light of the day...none of them deserved to.

lovedeepnim: just watched dhobi ghat d movie sucks ! Yuk

kumarsaurabhnet: Watched Dhobi Ghat. (I should have bought onions instead. )

kranthi_kittu: Hello frnds, sa an extremly bakwas movie cld dhobi ghat. Felt like Amir gone mad

Kkartweett: If I make a documentary it will be better than dhobi ghaat....#wasteoftime

Jakoo02: Dhobi Ghat== Very Boring!!!

ipavanC: Dhobi ghaat ... No review required ... Just a disaster .. Pls avoid it ..

imursnikhil: Dhobi ghat sucks.....tangled is fantaztic .ovie... Amazing 3d effexts....

imkeshav: Watched Dhobi Ghat - Boring movie!

iManishAgarwal: Same here RT swathipradeep2: Peepli Live was worse, Dhobi Ghat is worst!!! :( Begun to loose interest in Aamir Khan movies :(

iDoTwt: dhobi ghat....a well made documentary film..minus the entertainment

hsivaram: 3.5 starts for dhobi ghat? #epicfail #facepalm I need 95 minutes of my life back. absolutely.

holydevil: I hear ya RT @hsivaram: 3.5 starts for dhobi ghat? #epicfail #facepalm I need 95 minutes of my life back. absolutely.

hezalbrown: why was d movie named Dhobi Ghat ?? and wat was it about ;)????????Two questions u'll ask urself after watchn the movie :-) avoid theatre :)

harshbaldev: Watched Dhobi Ghat.The ending was rather abrupt.When d movie got over,my frndz n I thought it was the interval.Such were d state of affairs!

gordonr66: Dhobi ghat...another Mumbai documentary for goras..a few glasses of wine and all was well with the world

gokulpaudel: Dhobi Ghat - utter disappointment!

gjandwani: Dhobi Ghaat! Moral of the story: Even Aamir would do anything for his wife;)

girishsawargi: 'Dhobi Ghat' is good. I meant, the place near Rajajinagar. But the Movie stinks.

gaymir: so dhobi ghat is a flop.. its better to watch a real dhobi ghat than wasting money on movie dhobi ghat.

gaurav_singhal: Thru wid Dhobi Ghat... Now shud I pretend 2b a part of the intelligentsia and praise it? Not my taste, I m afraid. Amir wz gud.

Ganesh_Seth: Saw the film DHOBI GHAT yesterday. I'm disappointed :-( It's ignorable.

faizalravat: just show dhobi ghat...BORING movie.**

dadeshpande: the flop n bakawas movie is DHOBI GHAT.. Its fully faltu movie

crazy_gyani: just returned from dhobi ghat, and trust me, was thrashed thoroughly! disappointed with aamir big time

coolnavnit: Aamir is a perfect husband. Why else him being a perfectionist, invest in Dhobi Ghat otherwise :-) It's a documentary on Mumbai #fb

chandanda: Dhobi Ghat a Nonsense Movie

Bhatts___Hyd: dhobi ghat makes me to think that now aamir has started believing that whatever he ld make people id like it....but i m sorry....

atulmathew: Dhobi Ghat review - Meh. Painfully slow. Lone highlight - Monica Dogra.

ashwatdudhwal: probably the worst gift i could have given to my dad on his bday..took him to dhobi ghat....thnkfully i made up with a gud dinner and a cake

arif_akhtar: A Complete wash out...Dhobi Ghat...!!! http://arifakhtar.com/thoughts/240

anshulnitk06: Saw dhobi ghat And the only question coming to my mind, What was it?

alwayspissedoff: Dhobi Ghat is a shit movie. A well made shit movie.

agentscorpion: Dhobi Ghat is definitely a poor experiment of a movie.Prateik and Monica were gud though,nthng for aamir to do in id movie.FLOP for me #fb

9569692500: Dhobi ghat is mistak biger mistek 4rm aamir kahan..,90min movie was so boring......

17 readers - 7 yays 7 so-so 3 nays

Not Interested in Watching, by pomocne wskazówki

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Arvind Singh : You will definitely enjoy this film if you watch it with some patience and an open mind.

Yay! Thumbs Up, by James : Loved it. Don't expect Ghajini. Enjoy the insight into characters.

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Pragya : Above average.Aaamir seems to have over done his character . Prateik is good Yasmeen too good.

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Priyesh

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Rachit Gupta : The movie starts working when you step outside the hall :-)

Yay! Thumbs Up, by soham : A must watch movie for those it was intended for..

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Trupz

So-So, by A Dhingra : 50

So-So, by LostinLamancha

So-So, by luvkumar

So-So, by Pakiisp

So-So, by sandy

So-So, by Site

So-So, by sonal : its an attempt. maybe if it wasnt amir khan no one would have even gone to watch it.

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Aditi

Nay! Thumbs Down, by amit murari : dont watch even if you have nothing better do.....better attend mass suicide at nitk...MB...26th Jan

Nay! Thumbs Down, by VISHAL KHAWAS : VERY SLOW AND BORING

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Plot Summary

A story that connects a slum dweller with larger-than-life aspirations (Munna - Prateik), an NRI poking around the slums (Shai - Monica Dogra), an artist with an attitude (Arun - Aamir Khan), and an unsuspecting immigrant who is trying to figure the city out (Yasmeen - Kriti Malhotra).

What Worked

  • Aamir Khan's character Arun, like him in real life, doesn't like public appearances. :)
  • The tribute paid to people from all over India who made Mumbai
  • The first exchange between Shai and Munna
  • The comment on our education system that just has her learn by rote rather than understand what we read.
  • Yasmeen's last scene - it was almost as if she were speaking and apologizing to Arun
  • Prateik's last action. That one little thing said so many things!

What did not

Note: This section simply lists the things that I did not like in this movie. This is not the overall impression about this movie. Please read the full review here

  • Prateik's desparate attempt to droop his shoulders to show Munna's submissive nature.
  • An NRI sees the world in B&W - was there an attempt to say that?

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: One fist fight
  • Language: Abusive language
  • Nudity & Sexual content: Scenes that imply pre-marital sex took/takes place.
  • Concept: Everyone longs for love, how many get it?
  • General Look and Feel: It's a flat narrative. No histrionics, no gimmicks.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
Story:
Lead Actors:
Character Artists:
Dialogues:
Screenplay:
Music Director:

Dhobi Ghat - Cast, crew, links

Director:
Story:
Cinematography:
Action Choreography:
Music Director:
Running time:
95 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:
Genres:

Comments (13)

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Should be interesting to see how the media receives this film. I am pretty sure it will be a sensible film, whether it will be entertaining or not, only time can tell. But after Peepli Live, the media has elevated Aamir Khan to a pedestal of master marketeer from where they can either pull him down or justify their previous tag!

Btw, you might want to change the word "mullah" to "moolah" lest you want unnecessary controversy :)

@shantanu omg! thanks for pointing it out. much appreciated.

You are welcome :)

So how were Prateik and Monica on screen? (Yes, it's Monica, not Monika. :P )

@Sahil they are good. Except for a few shots Prateik is really good and Monica is charming.

The scene where Yasmin shoots the maids is one of the best scenes I've seen in a while :) So very endearing!

meetuji peepli out of oscar.please comment your thoughts .

Just watched the movie last night, I liked it very much. Prateik's performance was just amazing.

A nice movie fill by a promot & scripting by a Kiran rao fill good & under Amir khan production, but i want to checkout in threater

i think movie worked well with me. I went without expectations and was ready for anything thrown at me (yes an avid AK fan so .... )... i am usually interested in the way the picturisation is and from previous exp with AK movies i know that this is a important feature of his movies (although this one is a KR) i love the treatment to the film ..there is warmth in way the subject of city is handled ... subtlety in actions of each of the characters, simply fact a young woman can ask a dhobi for a cup of tea .... how many of us can imagine doing that!!

@swetha @sonal me too! i liked the scene where Arun shuts the door on Munna too! Even Munna's back expressed his shock :)

@sunny @luvkumar so have you watched it yet

@guddu there's nothing to say. there are way too many good films being made in the world. and it doesn't matter whether each one of them gets an award or not. that they are good is good enough, no?

@amit murari @vishal khawas oops!

@arvind @soham me too!

@James Ghajini!? how does one even begin to compare? and who's doing that?

@Rachit doesn't it feel awesome when that happens?

@pragya thank you!!! Love it when i get feedback on the reviews :)

@LostinLamancha i think i know what you mean

@Suni, @Sandy has replied to that one. sad but maybe true.

@trupz however, some might find the same thing disturbing. interestingly, the guys sitting next to me in the theater were heard saying - koi kyon dhobi ko itna bhaav dega??

Aamir desperately wants the Oscar...but he does'nt need to to try this hard, that everything falls apart.
I like the painting analogy. It is like an abstract art.

is this movie entertain us ? i thought it is. just want to know if i see this movie i will enjoy ?

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