Throughly enjoyed 'Queen', the first movie I saw in a hall since Ship of Theseus. A journey of self exploration, well scripted, ably directed and wonderfully performed by Kangna Ranaut, who in her own life seems to be a reflective person on her own search of herself with a degree of pathos. Perhaps therefore she could bring the necessary gravitas to the character without which it could have seemed flippant (for eg say with someone with equal acting talent as a Priyanka).

The movie had multiple parallel themes, at least two. One, the identity search of the protagonist herself. But there was also the young Indian finding his/her place globally. The Indian youth is arriving for sure and there's something about the current generation (an international confidence) that was missing in generations before them, including mine (which I, in many ways consider the twilight generation).

The script writers (which includes Kangna herself, I was told) and the director have shown great understanding and application of the figure-ground concept. The figure of the central character and her personal transformation vividly stand out due the context and contrast provided by the ground, which consisted of other characters viz the two Indian origin ladies (again, the casting of Haydon was perfect) and the international group of three roommates, each on their own explorations. And in the selection of the cities as well. Paris and Amsterdam being the international epitome of freedom and expression provided the perfect backdrop.

I can easily let go the minor crowd pulling tadkas in the film, because largely it remained true to the narrative. In fact, I quite marvelled at how the people behind this film achieved to ensure the crowds are pulled as well as made to think.

I could feel the heightened collective consciousness in the packed cinema hall through the film.