7 Reasons Why Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Highway’ Will Be Deemed A Classic 50 Years From Now!

Highway

Highway.

It has been a couple of years that we were treated to this Imtiaz Ali masterpiece. Ok! Before you are enraged by the usage of term ‘masterpiece’ by me, let me clear it out that I know people don’t deem films as masterpiece within a couple of years of their release. It is after, say decades, that a film reaches a cult stature. Highway, for me, is already there. I can cite reasons, too, as to why.

Here are seven reasons why Imtiaz Ali’s Highway will be deemed a classic, fifty years from now.

1. It shows the metamorphosis, rather self-discovery, of an urbane chic girl who embraces the wilderness in her.

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From city’s claustrophobia to being finally open and free, though abducted, Veera’s tale is inspiring in some odd way.

 

2. The art of storytelling is on point and you have to laud Ali’s envisage of Veera and Mahabir’s journey.

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“Who falls in love with her kidnapper?” you may wonder. But, until you have walked in someone else’s shoes or known their backstory, you are in no position to judge anyone. Actually, one is never in any position to judge anyone. To have a better insight to Mahabir and Veera’s life, Imtiaz in a very layered approach, lets us into their worlds.

 

3. The social issues tackled and the treatment it received is a true representation of our current societal stature.

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Veera’s monologue in the end poses questions in our head as to — why a girl is always warned about the danger posed by the outsiders and threat from the insiders aka family members is never a topic of discussion? And, this is so true in so many cases.

 

4. The powerful performances by Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda that were convincing to the T.

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Their avatars were de-glam and totally relatable. I mean, I could see a bit of myself in Veera. Alia Bhatt strengthened her foothold in Bollywood with this film. No OTT acting, no underacting, she was just perfect. So was Randeep, as Mahabir. He played the part and came out as extremely convincing. That’s how he slips under the skin of his character. I believe a director plays a very crucial role in bringing out the best from his actors. And, Imtiaz succeeded in doing that.

 

5. The story and cinematography were so alluring that it makes you immediately pack your bag and explore our beautiful country.

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There was something soul-stirring about the movie and the scenic beauty of India had an inexplicable pull through Imtiaz Ali’s vision.

 

6. The music was, is and will be remembered.

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When you have A.R. Rahman’s musical touch, you can’t un-hear or forget how it strums the right chords of your heartstrings. Be it ‘Patakha Guddi’ with Nooran Sisters, ‘Maahi Ve’ or ‘Sooha Saaha’, each track has a story to tell and an emotion to expel. And, you will fall in love with the minimalistic background score.

 

7. Because, it’s an Imtiaz Ali film.

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Call me biased or whatever you want, but like millions, I am a huge fan of Imtiaz’s conjured images of his characters. The mastery of his style of storytelling is beguiling and for some reason, I am instantly drawn to any Imtiaz Ali film. But, with an unbiased opinion, I want to add, he is extremely good at his craft and brings something new to the table every time.

 

Well, maybe after fifty years, if I am still alive, I would re-read this story just to see if I was right or wrong about it!

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Till then, masterpiece, indeed!

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