That Girl In Yellow Boots
wogma rating: Add to 'must watch' list (?)
That Girl In Yellow Boots is a simple story with soul about a girl who has lost hers and is desperately looking for it. Even if what she is looking for is an image of a father she's never had and always wanted. Whether or not she finds the father is as important as what she goes through to find him. The gritty nature of the film and the subject is not something all of us can handle for it takes guts to accept the truth about the society that we are a part of. It's an important film but not one I'd want to watch again.
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That Girl In Yellow Boots - Preview
Another film I'm looking forward to! I had seen the first trailer ages ago when a fellow-Kashyap-enthusiast had plugged a link on facebook or twitter. And yep, you are right, I'd have been excited about the film even if I hadn't watched the trailer. Just Anurag Kashyap announcing his next film is usually good enough.
Only recently, did I realize that the film has been co-written by Kalki Koechlin. I've always found the actor-writer combination very interesting, be it Salman Khan or as in this case, Kalki Koechlin. It could be just because it is a rare combination. Also, I've just warmed up to Kalki as an actor.
A girl who happens to wear yellow boots journeys through the streets of mean India to look for her father and the search is actually about her identity and her self - The premise seems simple enough yet, there is a certain quirkiness, an edginess about the way the trailer is put together. I guess, the name Anurag Kashyap is synonymous with crazy stuff. Add to the mix the usual suspects Piyush Mishra, Ronit Roy and the surprise element Naseeruddin Shah and I'm wondering why has this film taken so long to release in India when it has been around in the festival circuit for ages.
Anyway, its time has come and in a big way. That Girl In Yellow Boots will get a worldwide release on September 2nd.
- meeta, a part of the audience
That Girl In Yellow Boots isn't a film you can enjoy. It's dark and forthright film, making it an uncomfortable watch. It makes you care for its protagonist and you don't want bad things to happen to her even as you see her make herself go through horrible actions. You feel worse for her because she goes about the moral evils from bribery to sexual acts, in a very matter-of-fact manner. (which also means, you don't watch the film with either your kids or your parents!) Anyway, you can see through her immorality from the things she refuses to do. She's street-smart; she has found her way around mean-machine Mumbai even though she's from UK. And yet you know she's fragile under that cold stare.
The writer dug so deep into this one character, that we know her. And that has to be the beauty of an actor being the writer of the story. Kalki Koechlin knows her character Ruth so well, that she takes no time in convincing us that hers is a story that needs to be heard. It also needs to be heard because of the taboo subject it approaches. A topic that needs to be talked about liberally, but is wrapped under covers making the victim feel guilty. In fact, had Ruth's family talked about it, we wouldn't have had this film. (Funny this, I can't talk about it here, because I'll be giving the movie away :))
About ninety out of the hundred minutes are spent with Ruth, trying to find her father. And yet, you don't get bored. That's because of the bunch of characters that Ruth encounters, tolerates and gets past. Almost as if telling us, that the life lessons she is learning will make her a stronger person. And somehow it will all be worth it. From Chitiappa Gauda (Gulshan Devaiya) the much-needed comic relief in the form of a goon to Prashant, Ruth's drug-dealer boyfriend (Prashant Prakash). Amidst this mix of common but not-so-normal characters played by new actors is the reassuring presence of a father figure and familiar face of Naseeruddin Shah. Of course, the fact that I remember the character as Naseeruddin Shah is a tiny failure. But, not a folly that gets overwhelming.
Sure, there are a couple of times when the repetitiveness begins to get at you. But at that exact time, a character in the film tells off the annoying character. Bottom line is the film engages you throughout. The dialogue is smart and the delivery by one and all is perfect. I also like how the characters unfold. We come to know about them through the things they do and how they interact. I'm sure most directors would have chosen the voiceover route.
This is not the kind of Anurag Kashyap film we are used to. That Girl In Yellow Boots is subtler and calmer. He's not rushing to make his point as if he's not sure he'll get another chance to make it. His angst against the society which wouldn't allow his kind of films to be made has settled a bit. And that has only added to the overall package that the film is.
That doesn't mean it doesn't shock you like a trademark Anurag Kashyap film. The "shock therapy" could be held against him, but there are some facts about vermin in our society that cannot be told without shocking. Even though I guessed the climax, because of one passing line Ruth says somewhere in the middle of the film, the climax shook me a bit. It could be just because I didn't want it to be how Ruth's story ended.
An issue that is close-to-heart, a cold portrayal of the world, and the straightforward as-is style made me uncomfortable, which is a big plus for the film because that was its intention. Yet, unlike other Anurag Kashyap films that I'd urge you to try even if they are not your type, I won't be able to recommend That Girl In Yellow Boots. Because ironically, That Girl In Yellow Boots is not for those who are looking for happy endings.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Nikhil Kumar, Apun Ka Choice : ...a class apart... full review
Thumbs up, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...This Anurag Kashyap film caters to a more evolved, cinema literate audience.... full review
Thumbs up, by Nupur Barua, fullhyd.com : ...Prashant Prakash as the confused boyfriend makes an impressive debut. His portrayal of a cocaine addict is eerily realistic.... full review
Thumbs up, by Sanjukta Sharma, Live Mint : ...here’s bone-chilling savagery, little redemption and stoic surrender to fate, but also unabashed celebration of the search for tenderness and love.... full review
Thumbs up, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...A rare female character in Hindi cinema, Ruth displays admirable strength.... full review
Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ... It is well-nigh his most controlled film to date: the style, fluid and unobtrusive, complements the theme rather than overshadow it.... full review
Thumbs up, by Satyen K Bordoloi, Now Running.com : ...good news for Indian cinema ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...another fine specimen of Anurag Kashyap's style of filmmaking. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Reuters : ...This is not your regular Bollywood fare – and thank God for that.... full review
Thumbs up, by Ruchi Mehta, Roochster : ...Well done Anurag Kashyap and Kalki!... full review
Thumbs up, by K N Gupta, SmasHits.com : ...The credit for the movie’s success must be handed to director Anurag Kashyap who is known for this genre of ‘hat ke’ (different) films. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Rohit Pramar, StarBoxOffice : ...ruthless story of Ruth... full review
Thumbs up, by Nikhat Kazmi, Times of India : ...Always the unexpected, Anurag? Never, never go looking for the predictable in this maverick filmmaker's films and you'll rarely be disappointed.... full review
Thumbs up, by SpiceZee Bureau, Zee News : ...Ruth internalises the trauma as she comes across the perils of an unknown cityscape.... full review
So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...Anurag takes the new age Indian cinema a few steps ahead but still its not an entirely satisfying affair. ... full review
So-So, by Rony D'costa, Desi Martini : ...Does it mean the script failed since I came out of the theatre thinking more about two performances that were not lead roles but entertained and engaged me the most in the film? The two performances that were the highlight for me were by Puja Sarup & Gulashan Deviah. ... full review
So-So, by Aniruddha Guha, DNA : ...TGIYB, in the end, is a middling effort that has its share of highs, but leaves you unmoved and slightly disappointed.... full review
So-So, by Deepa Deosthalee, Film Impressions : ...Something vital is amiss despite the brilliant camerawork, broody background music, reliably authentic locations and uniformly good acting... full review
So-So, by Rahul Gangwani, Filmfare : ...Rajeev Ravi’s cinematography elevates the movie to higher levels and manages to create varied moods throughout... full review
So-So, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...Even if the story itself leaves you wanting more, the storytelling makes you go the distance. ... full review
So-So, by Anjuri Nayar, Mumbai Mirror : ...Veteran actor, Nasseerudin Shah has outdone himself once again.... full review
So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...Why should a viewer sit through this? To be moved by the onscreen character's misery, yes, but that requires an intimate connect with the character. Sadly, the viewer is not introduced to Ruth in entirety. ... full review
So-So, by Reel Reptile, Upper Stall : ...Naseer is well... Naseer and his character is a good touch to an otherwise-relentless abuse of innocence. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Mayank Shekhar, Hindustan Times : ...This one, in comparison, is so much lower on logistics and ambition. It is, what they call, a quickie... full review
Thumbs down, by Mrigank Dhaniwala, koimoi : ...What’s Bad: The scattered screenplay; the unanswered questions which crop up in the audience’s mind; the shocking story of the film that will keep many away.... full review
Thumbs down, by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com : ...Where Anurag fails miserably is in the story of TGYIB. He tries to infuse sub-plots after sub-plots to make the film more interesting however what he ends up doing is making the audience wonder at the worthlessness of it all. ... full review
y24mishra: That Girl In Yellow Boots is very unpredictable. Killer movie!
VarunVazir: just saw #that girl in yellow boots. master piece by @ankash1009 . HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. plz watch the film. it leaves you unmoved!
vaarundhingra: Quite liked that girl in yellow boots.
thenilguy: Anurag Kashyap's 'That Girl In Yellow Boots': A Must-See Film You'll Wish You Could Forget. http://huff.to/ob7QfL
TEKKEN_FORCE: "That girl in Yellow Boots"...another intense cerebral treat by one of the most daring cinemamaker of our time; Anurag Kashyap
shrutirao83: That Girl in Yellow Boots at 8.30 in the morning with @Swetha6677 . Satisfyingly well-made.
shaazRiz: That Girl In Yellow Boots is no another movie..u need balls to mke smthin like ths 4 d audience.. n u need d same to appreciate it! RESPECT!
sahiljain22: that girl in yellow boots.cant w8 2 watch it! kalki n kashyap make for a gr8 team.top it up with naseeruddin shah n makrand deshpande. wow!
RahulKatyayan: THAT GIRL IN YELLOW BOOTS Review: An Anurag Kashyap masterclass http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/that-girl-in-yellow-boots-review-an-anurag-kashyap-masterclass/
PrernaGS: That Girl in Yellow Boots is @kalkikanmani 's best work by far. @ankash1009 take a bow
PravinSri: ‘That Girl In Yellow Boots’ hits the bull’s eye!
PratikPotdar: That Girl in Yellow Boots - A brilliant film by Anurag Kashyap & Kalki Koechlin. This husband-wife duo will do something big in future.
PornOkPlease: That Girl In Yellow Boots is an awesome movie!
phalinshah: That Girl in Yellow Boots and Bol #WatchIt and make the weekend at the cinemas Memorable! #Avoid #Bodyguard
nytnik: "That Girl in Yellow Boots".....Anurag Kashyap rocks !!!!!!
ninajasmine: Just saw "That Girl in Yellow Boots" - Superb cinema, superb acting - Kalki Koechlin. A lesson for all mega stars and mega film-makers.
Navin_kumarv: Anurag Kashyap does a fantastic job once again with That Girl In Yellow Boots! Way to go!!!
mohandoss: That girl in yellow boots, fantastic movie. Never thought it will possible for Indian cinema industry to come up with such a subject.Bravodo
MissMalini: That Girl In Yellow Boots (That So Beautifully Broke My Heart.) http://www.missmalini.com/2011/08/31/that-girl-in-yellow-boots-that-so-beautifully-broke-my-heart/ @kalkikanmani @ankash1009 #TGIYB @iKabirBedi @desijourno
mehtahansal: Saw That Girl In Yellow Boots. @ankash1009 is a fearless filmmaker. Uncompromising about his vision. This is his most honest film to date.
karts14: That Girl in Yellow Boots... Left the hall with shock and awe! BRILLIANT! Gowda was amazing! #TGIYB @ankash1009 @kalkikanmani
karthik82: That Girl in Yellow Boots - Not a movie you will enjoy, but well acted and shot. Respect to those involved for making what they wanted. 8/10
KanoonKaBaap: Hmmmagree RT @sanjuktasharma: Anurag Kashyap-Rajeev Ravi: a creative force. Why u shld watch 'That Girl in Yellow Boots' http://bit.ly/pR3G7W
IndiePixFilms: #ThatGirlinYellowBoots "The superbly crafted, wonderfully acted and consistently evocative That Girl in Yellow... http://fb.me/GEAgMRU9
imagenshape: Sensible viwers can see 'that girl in yellow boots' otherwise tp is 'bodyguard'
Fattiemama: WATCH "That Girl in Yellow Boots everyone. For more reasons than one!
EmOEchAiTee: First feel,then analyse. TGIYB has its share of flaws, but it had an impact on me. Not bcos of the'shocking' end,but the journey towards it
el_idioto: THAT GIRL IN YELLOW BOOTS (Hindi/English, Thriller, 2011) A poignant thriller about a girl in search of her... http://fb.me/11SKuaN4b
eel_trebor: With #TIFF2011 approaching @kaymatthews revisits a standout film from TIFF2010 (now in theatres) over at Totally Filmi http://bit.ly/plnn0n
editorbharathi: That Girl In Yellow Boots lives up 2 xpectatns leadng 2 a heart-wrenchng & stingng end.Review http://bit.ly/qDAjgb @ankash1009 @kalkikanmani
diaporesis: That Girl in Yellow Boots is the very brilliant @ankash1009's new film. It releases on Sep 2. If you're in India, please don't miss it!
Devs3: That Girl in Yellow Boots is yet another masterpiece by the masterclass maverick film maker @ankash1009, great acting by ALL the actors!
DevilDaVinci: That girl in yellow boots! Stunner! (@ Sathyam Cinemas) http://4sq.com/pEicc6
biswatosh: If you can stomach a film that churns your insides, "That Girl in Yellow Boots" is for you.#india #bollywood #now #films
AlishaSinha1: Really enjoyed That Girl In Yellow Boots!
aditya_gn: That Girl in Yellow Boots - Not for the faint hearted
1mkavita: That Girl in Yellow Boots. Heartbreaking film! Powerful Cinema! GO AND WATCH THIS ... #india #TGIYB #bollywood
movierecos: Movie Review – That Girl In Yellow Boots: Humdrum story, great performances. Rating: 2.7 out of 5 ... http://bit.ly/nIYDZV @movietickets
mohitnanda: That Girl in yellow Boots:Nice direction n screenplay. Bad performances. Naseeruddin Shah has been highly underutilised n the new guy sucks
SRKisKing: That girl in yellow boots is a Drag.. Not like Dev D
madhu_shala: That Girl In Yellow Boots is such a pointless movie that totally underwhelms. Anurag Kashyap losing his touch...
khosla09: That Girl In Yellow Boots is certainly not the movie Anurag Kashyap will be remembered for.
GhantaGuy: My take on Anurag Kashyap's 'That Girl in Yellow Boots' - http://onemoreblog.posterous.com/the-movie-that-could-have-been
garamkhoon: It's better to be pissed off than pissed on. Avoid #TGIYB @ankash1009
bollybadmash: The Man who got too big for his Boots! @ankash1009 That Girl in Yellow Boots #TGIYB
BlessChet: Am I the only one who felt That Girl in Yellow Boots was self-indulgent?
AuteurPravesh: Enfant Terrible of Hindi cinema Anurag Kashyap graduates to be Agent Provocateur with That Girl in Yellow Boots.. @ankash1009 *runs away*
Aakritty: That girl in yellow boots : What a waste it was! Such a piece of shit. :/
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Warning: this section has some details that could distort your experience while watching the movie. I strongly recommend reading this only after you have seen the movie or if you have decided not to see it.
Plot Summary
Ruth (Kalki Koechlin), a UK, is looking for her father who abandoned her 15 years ago.
What Worked
- The uninvolved, indifferent way in which Ruth deals with her clients but her heart-broken/stunned stare when it comes to the same thing with her boyfriend. Almost as if she had been raped.
- The manner in which the actor who plays the spa-owner stands up to Naseeruddin Shah. I liked the acting, though it'd have been nice to see her face a little more than just shots of her back.
- The background score - especially towards the climax of the film.
- The camera work - especially at the times it stood still and let us take in what was going on, on screen.
- The framing of some shots is beautiful. For example, the opening shot.
- The yellow tinge given to the entire film.
- The one line cameos to Piyush Mishra, Makarand Deshpande.
- The no-line cameo to Rajat Kapoor.
What did not
- How did the father know?
Parental Guidance:
- Not for kids at all.
- Violence: A couple of fist fights.
- Language: Lots of cuss words
- Nudity & Sexual content: Not shown explicitly on screen, but a masseuse gives a hand-job to her clients.
- Concept: The harshness of truth.
- General Look and Feel: Yellow. Grim and dark. Mumbai.
![[Facebook page of That Girl In Yellow Boots]](/static/images/icons/facebook_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of That Girl In Yellow Boots]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of That Girl In Yellow Boots]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Anurag Kashyap twitter account]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (7)
I am still to watch the movie, but am looking forward to watching it soon. I am guessing that the script may have not been as tight as you expected, and that was why the second best rating, which is fine.
But I disagree that the feel of the movie or the ending of the movie should really affect your rating of the movie. So, if that was the only reason for you to have downgraded the movie from 'Must watch' to 'Only the Keen..', I would suggest that you reconsider your rating.
In my view, a film review should rate a movie based on solely the film craft (though I get a hint from your review that the film craft was also lacking in some departments), and not how it makes one feel.
@Pondy Hmmm...I disagree. A film makes me react. It is made, so that I react. And my opinion here is only my attempt to describe how I reacted and what might have caused the reaction. For me, story and how it ends is a huge part of whether or not a film works for me. I don't know how to separate that from the craft of film-making. And I'm not sure I should know how either.
Here, I liked the story and the climax was appropriate. I was unsettled by the uncomfortable feeling I had through out the film. That could be the intention of the film, but I didn't like it.
Please do watch it and let us know how you liked it.
@meetu, to each his own, but then I think of movies like A Clockwork Orange, Requiem for a Dream, and I can vouch for the unease factors of these movies.
A good film and as usual this AK film also gives us some delightful new actors in the supporting roles....
As films with women protagonists are rare, it was a refreshing experience. Although the shock part is relative, especially for a Kashyap film, taboo topics no longer shocking.
I found Nasir's character to be a bit unconvincing. His reaction on learning what Ruth does for a living is hard to believe... as a regular customer he never guessed it??
Mystical and determined, there is more to Ruth (Kalki Koechlin) than just Yellow Boots. She has travelled all the way to India from England in search for a man who loves her. She searches for her father in Pondicherry, in Goa and now in Mumbai mainly in pursuit of unconditional love, but there is a truth that she has to encounter, that leaves her shattered. ‘That Girl In Yellow Boots’ will stun, surprise and form an instant connection with you.
@Pondy i have seen those films and been made extremely uncomfortable by them too, but that doesn't keep me from being made uneasy by other films. That's like saying having seen the beauty of the Himalayas, I won't be able to appreciate the monsoons in Sahyadris.
@samir thanks. :)
@Jitaditya i gave the script the benefit of doubt in that. I assumed that Naseeruddin Shah's character must have refused to take his clothes off the first time and thus never been asked teh regular question by Ruth.
@Lilu now that would be fun, no? Anurag Kashyap doing his thing with a mainstream subject/story.
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