The Blue Umbrella

The Blue Umbrella

The Blue Umbrella

I wonder if some ritual symbolism was embedded in this film which was altogether too subtle or perhaps too exotic for me to interpet. There are moments of stunning visual imagery, unusual and interesting landscapes and some wonderful acting, but while many Indian films do sustain and entertain you for three hours or more, I actually found it quite difficult to remain interested throughout this tale. Ultimately, it seemed to me that the allure of the umbrella escapes both Biniya and Khatri and perhaps there is a message in there about not wasting too much time and energy on material possessions - who knows, I think this film winds up being too timid and too meandering for anyone to be certain

Thanks to Ronnie Screenwala for producing, Vishal Bhardwaj for directing this well made movie for all families. Just shows that one does not need big stars, loud music, violence or sex to make movies that's entertaining and will always stick in your memories forever. Well acted both by the main stars Shreya Sharma and Pankaj Kapur (wish the his son Shahid Kapur would take a leaf from his dad from this movie). Pleased to read that this movie won a national award and many have been impressed and recommended it of which I am in agreement with them. Amazing location and scenery highlights that one does not need go outside India to get good location. Hope more Bollywood Producers and Directors would take risks to make such movies.

I had read about the film in some reviews which were all positive. The names Vishal Baradwaj and Gulzar did create some expectations in me. And did they meet? Well, frankly..more than that ! The story is simple. A girl in a remote village with an attractive blue umbrella, is suddenly grieved by the loss of it and she suspects all those in the village who had an eye on it, especially the 'Kathri', the tea shop owner, amazingly portrayed on screen by Pankaj Kapur. Never before, have I seen Himachal so beautifully captured on screen, with all the green and the snow white during the last part of the movie. The director goes poetic when on screen he shows the transformation to the winter, from the cotton dust to snow flakes. The other main character of the movie is the music. The songs and the BGM do add to the feel and look of the film. It's a treat to watch this one. Though categorized as a children's film, it is for all ages.

well... what can one say about pankaj kapoor .. one of the finest actors is almost every kind of role and this movie is no different his expressions his voice modulations are all awesome... the girl Shreya Sharma also deserves mention ...she does a great job and the story is extremely subtle which can only be conceived either by R.k. narayan or in this case Mr. Ruskin Bond.... Vishal does all justice to the story in this great movie... specially striking bout the movie is the way it changes tone halfway the movie..the change of mood is almost palpable....Great Just the kind of movie that tells what should be the standard of direction ...

I've only just recently discovered "Bollywood" movies.. (through Independent Film Channel). I am enjoying the weekly films shown on IFC, but I'm not sure that this film fits into what most people think of as a "Bollywood" movie-- love stories or gangsters with out-of-place song and dance numbers tacked on. Although I *do* enjoy those types of movies once in a while... Instead, I think that "The Blue Umbrella" is simply an extraordinary example of Hindi film-making. The cinematography is STUNNING. I was struck by the rural setting- which I've never seen in a typical Bollywood movie (mountains and snow?!?)- and since I live in an area in the US that looks very much like the location in the film, it made it seem much more "real" to me. I got a real feel for the village and for the people who live there. At times, I thought I was watching a beautiful documentary about village life. The story is captivating. Amazing performances by all. Pankaj Kapur = amazing. I truly hope that more films such as this receive a much larger audience. Some of the comments here describe this as a "children's film", but I would call it just a great film. A joy to watch from start to finish.

Blue Umbrella is beautiful. The umbrella, the concept of the story, the background of the movie, the people, the symbolic values – they're all beautifully presented. Pankaj Kapoor says in the movie that one shouldn't measure the profit loss behind watching a sunrise. In the same way, there's really no evaluation of this movie because of its intangible beauty. It also showcases the culture of mountain people, how they deal with crime and punishment. It gets quite intense and still doesn't let go of its simplicity. Its joy to watch the kids dance along the streets and also the adults in a marriage ceremony. Pankaj Kapoor and the director have both done a great job!

This movie is basically based on a novel written by famous writer Ruskin Bond. The movie is about a little girl Bindiya residing in a hilly state Himachal Pradesh... .....she gets a blue umbrella from some foreigners and then drama starts. The acting of Pankaj (khatri in movie) is superb. I truly recommend all of you this movie....go watch it. I watched this movie 2 years back and believe me that i decided never to delete it from my hard disk. Song sung by famous singer Sukhwinder-Barfan is worth to listen.. I love this movie because it touches my nerves and i love that place where this movie has been made. Quality of comedy is also good. Movie is good from starting till end. Acting by all the actors is good.