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Critic Review
Notebook (2019)NOTEBOOK is the story of the bond that develops between two lonely teachers without even meeting each other. Kabir (Zaheer Iqbal) is based in Jammu and has quit the Army following a traumatic incident. He is called to Srinagar by an acquaintance who recommends him to join a school started by his father in Wular. The school’s only teacher Firdous (Pranutan Bahl) has quit the school just some time back. With no other teacher there, Kabir agrees to join. Wular is located in a remote town and the school is built in a rundown houseboat. There are only a handful of students around and Kabir starts teaching them. In the drawer in the teacher’s desk, he finds a notebook written by Firdous. She has written her thoughts, fears, insecurities, strengths etc. while she was teaching in Wular. It helps motivate Kabir and he also falls for her. Also, the manner in which the students speak highly of her makes it clear that she’s a kind-hearted person. Firdous also mentions in her diary that she is having an on-off relationship with a man called Junaid. Moreover, one day the school is hit by a storm during which Firdous’s notebook falls in the water. Kabir tries to save it but fails. What happens next forms the rest of the film..
On the whole, NOTEBOOK boasts of exemplary performances by the debutants and is beautifully shot while stressing on the importance of education. At the box office, the film would appeal only to multiplex audience..
All said and done, Notebook is bring-your-heart-to-the-theater flick. It has nothing extraordinary & that’s the speciality of the film. It is an abundance of cuteness bundled with a tour package of unexplored Kashmir playing few beautiful songs in the b.
What doesn't is the photography. Manoj Kumar Khatoi's camerawork is a treat for the eyes. Arresting visuals of wooden houses, poetic lakes, snug boats, chinar gardens and imposing mountains create an elegant, mystical mood.
More photobook than notebook.
Love as a buffer against militancy? What a good idea. But not in this airy-fairy, ineffective way that Notebook propounds: the performances by the newbies, with Iqbal faring just a trifle better than Bahl (with an enviable acting lineage from Shobhana Sam.
'Notebook' is an easy watch where you can appreciate the humour, drama and romance. But the film leaves you wanting for more. Perhaps with more creativity in writing, this young romantic saga could have achieved more..
