What Is the Story About?
Brij Gopal Sharma, aka Sharmaji (Rishi Kapoor/Paresh Rawal), is a retired employee living with his two sons’. Sharmaji likes to keep him busy and is always looking to do one thing or the other. The sons don’t like this behaviour from their father. The elder one wants his father to move from their Delhi residence and settle with him in the new apartment.
What happens when Sharmaji founds mojo in cooking and becomes a home chef for ladies’ Kitty Parties? How Sharmaji’s sons realise the value of their father is the movie’s basic premise.
Performances?
Sharmaji Namkeen is the last film of actor Rishi Kapoor. He passed away while the shooting was going on and couldn’t complete it. Paresh Rawal was then taken as his replacement, and the remaining portions were shot with him.
Despite two actors performing the same character, care is taken that consistency is maintained story-wise. So, while we do feel the difference in the ‘acts’, tonally, there is no inconsistency.
The role is a perfect fit for the late Rishi Kapoor. His real-life nature is ideally in sync with the part. The loudmouth, unfiltered, speaking the heart part fits him correctly. It is the same with the scenes involving the ladies. Rishi Kapoor is able to bring an air of innocence and earnestness to the portrayal as only he can. Looking at the movie can’t help but feel again how great a loss his passing away has been to the industry.
Paresh Rawal, too is a terrific performer, and he deals with the scenes in his style. He doesn’t try to imitate Rishi Kapoor, and that’s where he succeeds. Paresh Rawal is superb with the sons, but it is not at the same level when it comes to the ladies. Besides this minor blemish, there is nothing to complain about.
Analysis
Hitesh Bhatia writes and directs Sharmaji Namkeen. It is a relatable subject involving the older returned people. How do they go about their lives post-retirement is what the movie deals with?
The setting of Sharmaji Namkeen is perfect. A retired father and two sons, one working in a big software company and the other studying in college, offer enough scope to tick all the present generation views of their parents.
However, what is also apparent at the start itself is how it will end. We know the father will make their sons proud and make them realise their mistakes. The only question is how? The subplots involving the high society Kitty Parties and the son’s experience with the builder make things clear on that aspect.
Still, despite knowing how it’s all going to end, if one is hooked on the proceedings, it is due to the presence of actors like Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal. They both create a compelling character without going overboard. It’s instantly relatable and also fun to watch simultaneously.
The cooking scenes are mouth-watering. The temptation to ear arises as soon as one watches the visuals. They are that deliciously presented.
However, the beats of the narrative are incredibly predictable, and it’s not just about knowing the ending—the connection with the ladies at Kitty Party, them introducing Sharmaji to an influential person. The problem with the builders, the tension between the father and son – all are predictable moves. The story also feels a bit rushed towards the last half an hour.
The good news is that the feel-good factor works in the movie’s favour despite all the issues. One can’t help but fall in love with Sharmaji and his antics.
Overall, Sharmaji Namkeen is a feel-good drama with a relatable theme. The predictability doesn’t let the narrative drown entirely, and the presence of Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal makes it a compelling watch.
Other Artists?
Suhail Nayyar and Taaruk Raina play the sons of Sharmaji in the movie. The former is the one who creates the conflict in the narrative. He is decent in the time available to him and shines in the film’s most dramatic moments. Taaruk feels wasted in comparison.
Among the ladies, it is Juhi Chawla who has a better character arc compared to the rest. Her one on one scenes with Sharmaji is good and naturally acted. Isha Talwar has a small part, and she is alright. Sheeba Chaddha and Ayesha Raza are alright. They have their moments but lack depth. Satish Kaushik as a friend to Sharmaji, is endearing and lovable. The rest of the actors have bits and pieces roles, and they do the required like Parmeet Sethi.
Music and Other Departments?
Sneha Khanwalkar provides the music, which is alright. Given the scope, one expected better, though. The background score is okay mostly; however, a few moments hit the right spot. Piyush Puty’s cinematography is a mixed bag. Some parts are deliciously shot, but a few are bland. Bodhaditya Banerjee’s editing is good. It is challenging for him to maintain consistency with two actors essaying the same part. The writing is fair even though it also treads predictable lines.
Highlights?
Rishi Kapoor
Paresh Rawal
Basic Theme With Feel-Good Factor
Cooking Sequences
Drawbacks?
Predictable Premise
Cliché Sequences
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Little Reservation
Sharmaji Namkeen Review by Binged Bureau
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