Adda: Band On The Rack

Band On The Rack

Recently, I came across Life In A .. Metro, a nice enough paean to the joys and sorrows of living in a big, soulless city - in this case, Mumbai. No bring-the-action-to-a-standstill dance tamasha here, the film being part of the wave of what I call multiplex films. Instead, the director asked a rock band to take one for the team, inserting them into the film periodically to underscore poignant moments. They look like they really suffered for their art. If you examine the frames closely, a subtext emerges. Here we go.

We first meet the band during the opening sequences and look! They are drenched already. They don't look very happy right from the beginning.

Can you feel the pain? You know he can. Also, I presume PortaPotties were scant at the shoot.

Now the director has put them on a windy rooftop. Without any railings. The poor lead singer looks close to being swept away.

Next, we see them in train station, trying to hold on against an oncoming crush of commuters. This is tough to watch.

And another round of indiginity. Performing next to a construction site and ladders? Can you say bad luck?

As if that wasn't enough, look at the poor band's mode of transportation! Rickety motor bikes rushing at top speed. My, my. That doesn't look very safe at all. Whatever happened to tour buses?

After all of this, can you blame the rest of the cast for being sympathetic? Some start to feel the pain for themselves.

Having had enough, the band tries to make a quiet getaway. Inasmuch as the harmonica playing will allow...

Caught! And punished! Poor band now has to play sitting in the bay.

Finally, the director dumps the band back in the station where they have to perform just to pick up enough loose change for their fare. Shame!

There really should have been a disclaimer "No Bands Were Harmed During The Making Of This Film" but now we are left to wonder about their fate. Will the Poor Little Brave Band That Could make it back home safely? Will there be a sequel to their story? Kudos, brave band, kudos.