Bombay Rose is an animated film about three stories running parallelly in the city of Bombay – One is about forbidden love, second about forgotten love, and the third about unconditional love.
Written and directed by Gitanjali Rao, the film is a poignant celebration of colors, music and nostalgia with the backdrop of Bombay.
Still from Bombay RoseThe detailing of the city’s infrastructure exquisite. It cleverly use popular lanes, shops and brand names to familiarize the viewers with the setting. And it’s a delight to watch especially if you’re well-versed with Bombay – the locations feel like home.
The film touches upon subtle elements and gems that are synonymous to Bombay and Bollywood that make it likeable. It feels like an ode to the city and its culture.
However, the story lacks originality and punch.
Still from Bombay RoseHere’s a quick synopsis of the film:
Bombay Rose opens in a movie theatre filled with men watching a Bollywood film with a muscular hero rescuing a damsel in distress.
While all the men are hooting and cheering during the climax, one man is deeply engrossed in the moment. He is the hero of Bombay Rose, Salim.
Later we see a woman, Kamala in a busy market (mandi) buying flowers from a seller. She is the heroine of Bombay Rose – dressed in a vibrant red saree; She’s anxious, somber and simply getting through the day.
Still from Bombay RoseParallelly, we are introduced to Ms. D’Souza, a senior citizen living alone in a bungalow with her cat… and her love for roses.
The story oscillates between these characters, their lives and their moods with brilliant use of music and animation.
Which brings us to what worked in the movie…
The good:
Bombay Rose is a game-changer for animation films in India. Animated by PaperBoat Design Studios, each frame is so beautifully artistic and inspired like a carefully painted canvas.
The background score by Sound Design by PM Satheesh along with old Bollywood classics such as Dil Tadap Tadap Ke Keh Raha Hai and Aaiye Meharbaan blend wonderfully and are a joy to watch traveling through time in the city of dreams.
Still from Bombay RoseThe one melody that plays in bits throughout the film is achingly beautiful. Sung by Cyli Khare and written by Swanand Kirkire, Rewa is a song portraying the deepest emotions of hope, despair and desires of Kamala – a girl who’s trapped by her circumstances.
The Not-So-Good:
Though the film is a visual delight, the story fails to leave an impact.
Still from Bombay RoseThe parallel stories play in isolation jumping from one sequence to another, making in incoherent for the viewer to gauge the plot.
The haphazard storytelling makes the experience less enjoyable.
Final Verdict:
Bombay Rose is an experimental piece of art with its heart in the right place.
Gitanjali Rao’s vision of creating a stunning film that captures the beauty in chaos is evident in each frame.
Still from Bombay RoseHowever, while the film is aesthetically gorgeous with dazzling art and innovative design, the story is easily forgettable.
Overall, it definitely deserves a watch (or two) simply for its visual magnificence.
Popcorn Rating: 
[3.5 / 5 POPS]
Bombay Rose is streaming on Netflix
