Page 3: The bold and the beautiful

Konkona Sen essays the role of a journalist

Page 3has now become renowned as the newspaper page which brings to the common person the world of the rich and famous glitterati and their exclusive hangouts. Indeed there is vicarious pleasure in poring over the exploits and events of those who live in the fast lane.

The film charts the story of a tabloid journalist Madhavi (Konkona Sen Sharma) who hobnobs with the Page 3 lot--with all the parties, events and soirees that go with mingling with the who's who of Mumbai, including fashion designers, models, aspiring actors, industrialists and socialites.

However, it's a tightrope walk for Madhavi to keep up with the glitterati. She begins to recoil from the jet setters when she realises that the glamour world in which she has been living is fake, where friendships are capricious, relationships based on convenience and everyone seemingly leading dual lives. Slowly she comes to terms with the hard realities of life.

The film is also an ace for director Madhur Bhandarkar (Chandni Bar, Satta) who has told a compelling story minus frills. Among the issues that have been dealt with in the film are dysfunctional families, infidelity, paedophilia, drug culture and wife-swapping.

Page 3 differs from the typical Bollywood fare. It does not offer the viewer the song and dance routine, melodrama and action of the average Hindi film. Says a review on the Internet: "Part social commentary, part dynamic satire, Bhandarkar's tale is unrelenting and ruthless, yet thoroughly entertaining."

Compiled by Cultural Correspondent