Katy: You do know how to use this? [pointing to a cellphone]

Cyrus: It’s a phone Katy - you dial, you speak, u hang up!

Already a fave among the discerning Indian moviegoer, BEING CYRUS is like a breath of fresh air from the recent bunch of Hollywood-remakes that Indian filmmakers are indulging in(waiting for the day when they burn their hands at this lethargic practice). Not only does BC chart a different path - a psychological thriller no less - the verbal exchange is entirely in English. The film has been cleverly written with lethal doses of black humour. Comparisons to the works of Coen brothers is inevitable - it’s almost an homage.

Narrated by the titular Cyrus, it is the story of a drifter, who cleverly plants himself in a parsi household as a pottery apprentice to the master artist and spaced-out potter Dinshaw Sethna. Dinshaw’s tartly wife Katy, longing for some male company and attention, is more than willing to take in a strapping young man of questionable background.

Slowly we learn that the non-materialistic Dinshaw Sethna who has inherited a family house far away from the city, has separated himself from his father Fardunji and his younger brother Farogue. Fardunji Sethna, who used to be  a very wealthy real-estate owner has been stripped of all his money and power, and now lives at the mercy of his brutish younger son and his caring but neglected young wife. In Cyrus’ words - it’s a totally screwed up family. Our protagonist acts as a catalyst in bringing about some radical changes to the stagnant Sethnas.

If you view the film from outside, you might just see an average psychological thriller whose progress you maybe able to deduce if you are a seasoned cineaste. But it’s the richly layered inside that is truly rewarding. Parsis are known to be a very tightly-wound business community. BC not only let’s us take a peek at their lives, but through the narrator’s social commentary peels away the layers to boldly show the ruins it lies in.  

Saif Ali Khan, one of bollywood’s rising star, slips into the character of Cyrus effortlessly. Ably assisting him are Naseeruddin Shah as the pot-headed Dinshaw, Boman Irani as the irascible Farougue, Simone Singh as his suffering wife and Manoj Pahwa as Inspector Lovely, the unpredictable corrupt cop with a small fuse. The only sore aspect in this otherwise perfect cast, is Dimple Kapadia as the tartly Katy. Her uneven perfomance ranges from good to over-the-top.

Director Homi Adajania, of Parsi lineage himself, packs in quite a punch in his slick & stylish debut. Brisk editing, quick pacing (a mere 90 mins.) and a non-linear structure demand total attention  of the viewer.

The Coens would be pleased!

Running Time: 90 mins.
Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, Boman Irani, Simone Singh
Directed by: Homi Adajania