Is it just a coincidence that Gauri Shinde’s chose her protagonist
to be an “entrepreneur” of Laddoos? A
Laddoo looks deceptively simple, but
is just as difficult to make- ever running the risk that it might turn
over-sweet, a little carelessness and the look might be unwelcoming. And that’s how much thought and care Shinde
puts into the movie – there is so much love, care and detailing she pours into
every frame that she, like the character in her film, ensures a perfectly
brilliant looking, delicious and yet not over-sweet film.
No. This is not a complicated film – there is no disability
at its core, there is nothing shattering about the pathos of the character, but
yet, there is everything relatable about the character of the movie. Shashi
(Sridevi) is your typical Indian middle-class housewife – who is made feel incompetent
simply because she struggles to throw an English phrase or two at a breakfast
table. Or if she insists that the English teacher speak to her in Hindi. So what if she makes the best laddoos in the
world and have a small business of her own - Can she say “Jazz” without embarrassing
her family?
The ever so inferior feeling Shashi, takes the gutsy step to
visit the US a few weeks ahead of the rest of her family for her nieces wedding.
And there begins a journey – a series of random acts of kindness from strangers
who seem to belittle her weakness and not her. Enter Amitabh Bachhan who reminds
her in a stellar cameo, that as Indians we have so much to be proud of that not
knowing English, is hardly a concern – let alone being an inhibiting complex that’s
stopping Shashi from enjoying her first experience in “the” United states of
America.
And what an experience it is. As quirky as Man-hat-tan is
for a tourist, even ordering coffee can be a traumatic chaos for a Pune
housewife – who just wants sandwich and Nescafe. There is embarrassment coupled
with an unrelenting search for self-worth that persuades Shashi to join English
“tuition” – her little secret project.
Day one - and she learns she is not just a housewife who
also makes laddoos but an entrepreneur –the most dignified interpretation of
her existence the recent times. The tuition itself is a motley bunch of
stereotypes (?) – ranging from a gay teacher, to a Mexican nanny, a paki
cabbie, a south Indian techie et al. In the classroom Shashi is the smarter
cookie (aka Hermoine of Harry Potter) always the one asking intelligent
questions, bringing idlis to a
craving south Indian. Unsurprisingly, the French Chef (Mehdi Nebbuo) falls for
her – calling her face two drops of coffee in a cup of milk. Shinde casts a
competent cast and gives them substantial meat so they don’t get overshadowed
by the shining leading lady.
But does Shashi need love? Or just some respect? Whether she
succeeds in earning her family’s respect or will she go back to being a
housewife “born to make laddoos”?
Gauri handles these questions in the subtlest and most
sensitive manner. There is not one moment of over dramatization. Not once does
Shashi “strike back” like a vengeance to prove a point, but the grace with
which she tackles her “final exam” leaves both her family members and the
audience in awe of her. She doesn’t want rapturous applause (which the audience
gives her anyways) – but simply speak her mind in simple (almost clean)
English.
Helped by some excellent writing and dialogues, the film not
once loses its grip. The music is a part of the narrative and lyrics interpret
the situation well – the small triumphs of the title track and the little fears
of parting from the family in Dhak dhuk, leave a lasting impression. The
cinematographer presents uses a palette that compliments the film with a
timeless grace. Particularly, Shashi’s awe of watching New York for the first
time translates beautifully on screen.
Once known as the female Amitabh Bacchan, Sridevi returns to
the silver screen to remind us why we missed her. In absence of stalwart leading
ladies like her (and others of her time like Shabana in 80s or Madhuri in 90s),
we have learnt to believe that women only need to be pretty arm candies, or at
max have 1 or 2 melodramatic sequences in a movie, but quintessentially – she needs
to be an item girl.
Trust Sri to break that mindset, once and for all. It won’t
be overstatement to say that in ~ 130 minutes, Sridevi delivers more acting
than we have seen in 130 movies in the last decade by so called actresses. Here’s
hoping she is cast in many such roles. And remember, this isn’t everything we
know she is capable of – the film doesn’t completely exploit her comic timing
or her ability to dance. There is so more we expect to see of her.
Gauri Shinde - take a
bow. Another lady director has brought in a perspective, without being too
artsy. You are master chef yourself and you know your recipe like you’ve made movies
forever– all ingredients are in perfect sync and the flavor is impeccable. It
is an amazing treat and meant to touch every person with a heart. Enough said –
please start writing your next movie. Can’t wait to see what you do next.
Like a laddoo you don’t want to miss and repent all your
life – you better grab a bite soon!
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