What Is the Story About?
Jio Cinema’s new original film ‘Mumbaikar’ is set in the backdrop of Mumbai city. The movie uses the hyperlink style of filmmaking to tell its story of quaint characters, all interlinked in quirky ways. A pining suitor (Vikrant Massey), an aspiring don (Vijay Sethupathi), an ambitious new-comer (Hridhu Haroon), a hapless cab driver (Sanjay Mishra), a ruthless gangster (Ranvir Shorey), a corrupt police officer (Sachin Khedekar), all cross each other’s paths at various points in the narrative, allowing the story to mesh and unmesh in myriad ways. A kidnapping gone wrong gives impetus to the comedy of errors.
Mumbaikar is a remake of Tamil film, Maanagaram. It is directed by ace cinematographer, Santosh Sivan; writer-director of the original, Lokesh Kanagaraj, is credited with the story.
Performances?
Tamil star Vijay Sethupathi makes his Hindi film debut with Mumbaikar. The adorable and versatile actor makes an impact from the get-go. He’s a delight to watch, with his impeccable comic timing and cute dialogue delivery. Ranvir Shorey is as efficient and watchable as ever. He keeps us riveted to the screen whenever he’s in the frame. His gangster act is easily the best in Mumbaikar, outshining every other actor in the film, Sethupathi included.
Vikrant Massey and Sanjay Mishra deliver the goods with their capable, dependable performances. Hridhu Haroon makes his Hindi film debut with an impressive act. He needs to shed his south accent, though, to make a watertight career in the Hindi film industry. Tanya Maniktala is passable as Vikrant Massey’s love interest. The supporting cast is good.
Analysis
Mumbaikar is a classic case of an opportunity almost squandered. The movie has everything going for it – a great story, tried and tested to boot; an excellent, supremely talented cast; and a terrific backdrop in Maximum City. Yet, there’s something vital missing in the narrative – smooth, seamless storytelling. The storytelling in Mumbaikar is a bumpy ride all along – it careens crazily between stellar and sketchy, showing off flashes of brilliance, interspersed with baffling mediocrity. The first half an hour especially, is quite confusing and haphazardly made, and a definite put-off.
The story finds its feet and rhythm only after the kidnapping of the kid. But once found, it settles into eminently watchable and engaging fare, with humour that shines and sparkles, evoking smiles and even several laugh-out-loud moments. But to experience the aforementioned, one must labour through the decidedly messy first half of the movie. Do that, and you will enjoy the movie like it is meant to be enjoyed.
The cast does much to ingratiate itself into our good books, with Vijay Sethupathi and Ranvir Shorey taking the cake in that department. Santosh Sivan does good to keep the tone and tenor of the storytelling light and cheery, thus making the second half of the movie quite a fun watch.
Besides the sparkling humour and excellent performances, there are several interesting elements in Mumbaikar. The most intriguing is the how we never learn the names of any of the pivotal characters in the story. Except for Manu (Vijay Sethupathi) and PKP (Ranvir Shorey), we don’t know anyone’s names – not Vikrant Massey’s character’s, neither Hridhu Haroon, Sanjay Mishra or Sachin Khedekar’s. They are known only by the identity the city gives them – they are Mumbaikars, determined to stick it out in the city, no matter what.
Another fun element of Mumbaikar is the appearance of R. K. Laxman’s ‘Common Man’ at various points in the movie. Keep an eye out for him in the scene when Vijay Sethupathi’s Manu is ripped off by the shopkeeper he buys lollypops from. Also keep an eye out for well-loved Mumbai locations – Fort, Kala Ghoda, et al. The director has done well to choose some of the best spots in the city to shoot his film.
All said and done, Mumbaikar is a good one-time watch. It entertains and engages well, if one ignores the messy start and sticks with the film. And yes, Vijay Sethupathi and Ranvir Shorey are a riot!
Music and Other Departments?
Salil Amrute and Ram Surendar’s original music is pleasing to the ear, though not very memorable. The background score is apt – neither too loud, nor too mellow. Santosh Sivan has also handled the camera in addition to directing Mumbaikar. He aces the cinematography, as always. Dilip Damodar’s editing is good, though it needed more fine-tuning in parts.
Highlights?
The cast and its performances, especially Ranvir Shorey and Vijay Sethupathi. Hridhu Haroon impresses too
The humour is good
Drawbacks?
Messy start Inconsistent storytelling
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, with slight reservations
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, but again, with slight reservations
Mumbaikar movie Review by Binged Bureau
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