REVIEW: Bhandarkar's Fashion

First things first: Priyanka Chopra must thank Madhur Bhandarkar for a role that any actress would lay down her life for. As Meghna Mathur in Fashion, Priyanka may finally achieve the critical acclaim and commercial success she's dreamt of all along.

As for the film itself, Fashion is a story of a small-town girl, who aspires to be a supermodel. Propped by some resourceful and forever generous friends, she finds herself in Mumbai and soon begins to climb the vertiginous heights of success.

But like all good things in life, the achievements come with a hefty tag. And the meteoric rise of Meghna is soon offset by a near-fatal fall that leaves her scarred and bruised. Meghna's rise, fall and her eventual rise to the top again is what Fashion is all about.

Bhandarkar has been doing considerable research for his film. He has spared no efforts in getting some of the most experienced hands on board for the right feel. And in frame after frame the detailing, styling and the choice of the ensemble cast gives Fashion the realistic feel that is so important for a film of this genre.

The fashion shows are lavishly mounted and impeccably put together. The backstage frenzy is well captured, as is every gleam in the kohled eyes, the glitter of bronzed cleavages, tinkling of champagne flutes and even the clamour for the first row seats at fashion shows.

The ensemble cast includes a smattering of industry experts: there is veteran choreographer Achla Sachdev, designers Wendell Rodricks, Narendra Kumar Ahmed, Shane and Falguni Peacock and a host of other real-life professionals, including a bevy of the top models: Noyonika Chatterjee, Alecia Raut and Mugdha Godse, who plays Priyanka's friend Janet.

Of course, like in all Madhur Bhandarkar films there are several references to real life incidents in Fashion too.

Those in the know will smile at how Bhandarkar includes everything: from socialite Queenie Dhody's now-famous marital dispute to the great designer spat between Aki Narula and Suneet Varma.

Kangana's character Shonali bears a striking resemblance to the troubled model Geetanjali Nagpal, who was found begging on the city streets, after a professional and personal crisis. And yes, there is also the scene where Shonali has a wardrobe malfunction, just as Carol Gracias had during Fashion Week some time back.

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