Rajma Chawal

"Rajma Chawal"

Watched Hindi movie 'Rajma Chawal', directed by Leena Yadav, starring Rishi Kapur, Anirudh Tanwar, Amyra Dastur, Harish Khanna, Manu Rishi, Nirmal Rishi and Sheeba Chaddha. Music is by Hitesh Sonik. This movie released in 2002. I watched this Netflix film with Aditi. 

A wedge is created between Rishi Kapur and his son Anirudh Tanwar after demise of his wife. To add to that, he moves from New Delhi to his old home in Old Delhi, against his son's wishes. To bridge this communication gap,  he opens a fake account of a beautiful girl, Tara, using a random photo from internet. When this virtual friendship is blossoming, luck brings them face to face with  this random girl.

What does Anirudh want? Will Rishi Kapur succeed in establishing communication with his son? What complications will this random girl create? Will there be a happy ending?

The story is light. It takes the expected route. There are hardly any surprises or twists. Acting by all actors is good. This film addresses a pertinent subject of lack of communication. Use of social media to make two people living in same house talk is today's reality. 

Cinematography is very good. Cinematographer takes us to the heart of old Delhi easily. The cosy atmosphere, old architecture,  narrow streets and close relations is captured very well. Music of Hitesh is decent and mostly pop. 

As far as acting goes: Rishi Kapur is good as usual. Anirudh gives an intense performance. Amyra is beautiful and acts well. Other supporting actors perform their duty diligently. 

Character development falls a bit short,  especially that of Rishi Kapur. He is a loving father desperate to establish communication with his son,  but towards the end of movie he suddenly becomes arrogant,  obstinate and ungrateful. Then he changes back to his normal self suddenly without any reason or explanation and no one minds. 

Director had a golden opportunity to make an important statement,  but he prefers to focus on making the movie fluid and light and misses the opportunity. Apart from these points she does well. She captures sights and sounds of Delhi and Punjabi atmosphere. She also gives some good touches e.g. when Anirudh is morose,  their servant fiddles with his guitar like a tanpura. She had a right blend of comedy, drama and emotions in this movie. 

Why title Rajma Chawal? Well apart from one scene that shows them eating Rajma Chawal the words are never uttered. May be title is because it's the identity of Punjabi's and the characters are Punjabi. But the title could have been anything else like Chole Bhature, Facebook, Tara, Baap, Rishte etc... However,  the title and Rishi Kapur were the reasons we watched it. 

Watch it as a 'time pass', don't expect substance.