- BOTTOM LINE: A Passable Old-World Charm Inducing Entertainer
Rating: 2.5/5
| Platform: ZEE5 | Genre: Drama |
What Is the Story About?
Shukranu is about a simple man Inder (Divyendu) who is caught in an extraordinary circumstance. Set during the emergency times, Inder (Divyendu) is forcefully sterilized as per the norms of those times. What happens when he finds out that his wife Reema (Shweta Basu Prasad) is pregnant, is what the movie is all about?
Performances?
Divyendu fits like a glove in the seventies setting. The body language and dressing along with the dialogues, take us back to an era gone by. He makes the character totally believable. It is a lighter fun movie, for the most part, so simplicity is the key here, which is present in abundance.
Analysis
Bishnu Dev Haldar directs Shukranu which has an interesting backdrop. However, it is only used to provide a critical dramatic twist. It is simultaneously the weakness as well as the strength of the movie.
Shukranu opens on a predictable line and continues that way, all through. What keeps us engaged is a simple and straightforward humour with little vulgarity. It is not just a film set in the seventies, but also executed with that old-world charm and feel. The warmth of the bygone era can be felt despite the visible tackiness in place due to the artwork, which seems more like a set than a real place.
The opening love story or the marriage sequence, they are engaging due to the writing and acting by the key players and their simplicity. It is on the lines of the recent set of Ayushman Khurrana movies that have struck a chord with the audience.
The problem is the lack of meat. There is no depth in the proceedings after a point. The key twist is used to propel a predictable drama. The routineness increases as we move towards the end. Once again, the characters and some fun (within the predictable space) moments save it from being a total disappointment.
The ending outburst is weak. It could have been worked out in a better way. It is here that the lack of depth hits us big time.
Overall, Shukranu is a strictly decent fare, and it is all due to the funny moments set in that particular space and time.
Other Artists?
The film has limited actors who have small parts. It includes the two heroines as well. Among them, Shwetha Basu Prasad has a better overall arc. She gets a couple of good dramatic moments to showcase her acting skills. Sheetal Thakur is mostly present in fun and lighter mode. Both have been presented well and look beautiful.
But, when it comes to the supporting parts, the real highlight is Aakash Dabhade. All his scenes with the lead actor are delightful. The chemistry is neat and entertains. The rest have even small roles; still, a couple of them manages to evoke mild laughs here and there.
Music and Other Departments?
The music for the film is provided by Harish Sagane, Jaideep-Sanjay and Advait Nemlekar. They have done a decent job in recreating the old-world feel. The singer’s selection too adds to the mood. The background score by Advait could have been better. The cinematography by Sayak Bhattacharya is good in parts and decent overall. The editing by Devendra is fine. The dialogues by Ravi Kumar are okay as long as it’s about entertainment.
Highlights?
Dialogues
Entertainment
Setting
Casting
Drawbacks?
Weak Story
Climax
Predictable Drama
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, in parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, but with reservations
Review by Siddartha Toleti
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