Anuradha Gupta

Imagine falling in love with someone solely through their words, without ever seeing or speaking to them. This is the unique premise of the movie Notebook, released in 2019. I first watched Notebook four years ago during the early days of the pandemic and instantly fell in love with it. The film left such a lasting impression on me that I had been wanting to rewatch it ever since but couldn’t find it on any OTT platforms—until now. Thankfully, it’s recently been added to Netflix, and I couldn’t resist diving back into this beautiful gem of a movie. It revolves around Kabir, a former army soldier turned school teacher, and Firdaus, a previous teacher at the same school. Firdaus leaves behind her personal journal—a notebook—through which Kabir discovers her innermost thoughts, struggles, and the beauty of her soul. The school itself is set on a houseboat in the middle of Kashmir’s serene backwaters, a setting that is as much a character in the story as the protagonists themselves. In fact, the movie's cinematography is one of its strongest aspects, transforming the backwaters and the rustic charm of Kashmir into visual poetry. Even the pacing of the movie is worth noting—it never rushes, allowing you to truly feel what the characters are experiencing. Adding to the film’s heart are the children at the school, whose innocence and mischievous charm bring a unique warmth to the story. Their interactions with both Kabir and Firdaus not only serve as a reminder of the joy and simplicity of childhood but also deepen the emotional resonance of the plot. But Notebook is not a typical love story. It is subtle and unconventional. There are no clichéd love-at-first-sight moments or extravagant displays of affection. Instead, the love story unfolds delicately through shared thoughts, emotions, and an unspoken connection that transcends physical presence. If you love poetic romances or are looking for a family-friendly film with depth and heart, Notebook is a must-watch. P.S. I noticed today that it’s rated 7/10 on IMDb. Also, I realised Vishal Mishra was on a roll in 2019 (kabir singh's music was released in the same year). This movie was his first as a solo composer and the soulful soundtrack by Vishal Mishra, perfectly complements the film’s tone.