Aishwarrya Chakraverty

The last color is a gripping tale of hope, friendship and simplistic unfulfilled human desires brought to life in a poignant manner. Set in the city of Banaras, India besides River Ganges, the movie stars Neena Gupta and the child artist Aqsa Siddique as the lead artists. Directed by the celebrity chef, Vikas Khanna, the movie is about the lonely and colorless life of Noor, a widow, residing in an Ashram in Varanasi. The story takes a turn when an unconditional friendship blooms between Noor and an untouchable, daredevil kid, Chhoti. The kid yearns to save up Rs.300 and go to school, following her rope-walking stunts in the streets of the city. Soon, Chhoti promises Noor that she would surely color her during 'this' Holi with her favorite ‘rang’. The plot also involves a corrupt police officer Raja, the transgender, and the sex-worker, Anarkali, and Chintu Singh (Chhoti's protector & childhood friend) amongst the prominent characters. One can consistently observe the dominant patriarchy and the age-old, conservative norms perpetually followed in society. What stands out though is Neena Gupta's larger-than-life, realistic representation as Noor and her suppressed desires with unfulfilled wishes and her respite and happiness in the conversations with ‘Meri Chhoti’. Unmissable mention also includes the way Chhoti commands the screen, more than her stature with her innocent tantrums and crackling dialogues where she emerges as a fireball of energy. Eventually, Chhoti or Noor Saxena becomes a popular advocate, who garners a historic win over the age-old practice followed by widows in Varanasi with the rehabilitation of the street children in the city. Trying to showcase too many aspects at one go and knitting them together, is something the movie-makers need to look at. However, the Last color shines with the minute moments of joys and dreams that sometimes remain unfulfilled when bridled with some blind societal norms, prevalent in India, just post-independence. The occasional comparison of roadside kids with street dogs and many such stark examples only exemplify the sometimes-rigid mentality of the society, leaving you with a lump in your throat and empathy in your heart. Rate: Going with 3/5 stars and 0.5 for Neena Gupta’s realist & Brilliant acting. 3.5/5 overall for the movie.