Sharmaji Namkeen movie review: Rishi Kapoor’s swan song is a slice of life with bittersweet flavours | Bollywood
It’s for the primary time within the historical past of Indian cinema that two actors — Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal — have performed one character in a movie. However what makes Sharmaji Namkeen much more particular is that that is the final time we get to see late Rishi Kapoor onscreen. Fortunately, the movie serves an ideal tribute to his robust but jovial persona. Those that have identified him or interacted with him would agree that Kapoor was a folks’s particular person but it surely actually relied on his temper if he wished to point out you his cool aspect or shoo you away. On this movie additionally, we get to see these two sides of his character. He is overtly candy is a few scenes whereas in others, he would not care a hoot about what folks say or take into consideration him. (Additionally learn: RRR film overview: Jr NTR and Ram Charan are dazzling, Bollywood has so much to be taught from this SS Rajamouli epic)
Directed by Hitesh Bhatia, Sharmaji Namkeen would not have any over-the-top dialogues or a classes in morality that hits you exhausting. It is a candy and harmless slice of life story instructed in a easy method. As Sharmaji’s character switches between Kapoor and Rawal, it by no means seems abrupt. The truth is, this fixed and constant transitions stay the spotlight of the movie.
Sharmaji Namkeen narrates the story of a retired supervisor of Madhuban Home equipment, Brij Gopal Sharma (Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal) who must be on the go and simply cannot sit idle at residence. Whereas he contemplates taking on zumba courses, turning into a property agent, giving tuitions or opening a chaat papdi stall, his sons Rinku (Suhail Nayyar) and Vincy (Taaruk Raina) do not actually purchase into his concepts and inform him to get pleasure from his post-retirement life. As Sharmaji takes his pastime and keenness for cooking to the following degree, he’s tricked by his buddy Chaddha (Satish Kaushik) into cooking at a girls’ kitty social gathering, and shortly, it turns into an everyday affair. Within the course of, his circle of associates sees fairly a change. In Veena (Juhi Chawla), he finds a buddy and a confidante. However what occurs when Sharmaji’s sons, neighbours and family get to learn about his secret job?
From what we noticed in Baghban the place a retired father (Amitabh Bachchan) expects his 4 sons to handle their dad and mom, there is a sea distinction between these two tales. In Sharmaji Namkeen, this retired man needs to start out his second innings independently with none approval from his sons. There is a scene wherein Chaddha exhibits the climax scene of Baghban to Sharmaji and insists that he shouldn’t be depending on his sons and take care of himself.
Bhatia would not need us to really feel pity Sharmaji, as an alternative he creates a number of lighter moments with comedian punches which Kapoor and Rawal ace. The 2 veterans ship a seamless efficiency staying true to this one frequent character they painting. Whereas Kapoor added soul to Sharmaji’s character along with his feelings, actions and reactions, Rawal did a superb job by sustaining the continuity of the character and selecting its traits so effortlessly. Kapoor brings his aptitude on display and Rawal has a technique to impress you along with his expressions.
The chemistry that Sharmaji shares along with his sons wanted much more depth and higher writing. We’re by no means instructed in the event that they have been emotionally hooked up to their father or not, what was the equation that they had with their late mom and if that anyhow affected their bond with their father. Nonetheless, each Nayyar and Raina did justice to their components.
The scenes that includes Rishi Kapoor and Juhi Chawla are endearing and take you again to Bol Radha Bol days when the 2 have been a success onscreen pair. There is a sense of appeal you witness when these two seem onscreen in a single body. Whereas there are slight romantic undercurrents, I actually want makers had developed that observe too.
Although the movie would not preach at you about how it is best to or mustn’t let your dad and mom get pleasure from their post-retirement life, Sharmaji Namkeen takes a dig on the prevalent patriarchal methods of our society the place a lady nonetheless wants to hunt permission from their male counterparts earlier than following her ardour.
The movie superbly captures the dilemma retirees face however at no level does it evoke a sense of pity. Some need to take it simple and spend time with household whereas others do not thoughts taking on extra jobs to maintain themselves occupied. Then there is a part who would discover happiness in exploring life via getting hooked on Whatsapp, abruptly turning into energetic on Fb, befriending strangers and calling them their very own. We see shades of all this in Sharmaji Namkeen.
Watch it together with your households for a great chuckle, some emotional moments and witness the magic of Rishi Kapoor one final time.
Sharmaji Namkeen is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Sharmaji Namkeen
Route: Hitesh Bhatia
Forged: Rishi Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Juhi Chawla, Suhail Nayyar, Satish Kaushik, Isha Talwar
