Check out Maach Mishti and More!
Story: As the title aptly suggests, Maach Mishti & More is an urban saga that revolves around a typical Bengali household in Kolkata. Primarily focusing on the three brothers and their romantic interests, the film explores the cosmopolitan city where people fall in love, introspect, dream and find their true calling.Review: For those who had almost forgotten to smile, having been forced to watch a series of debacles in the name of filmmaking, last year, Mainak Bhaumik's Maach Mishti & More instills hope, right at the beginning of 2013.
Here, we see the eldest of the three brothers, Rahul, (Shauvik) returning home with his wife Reena (Swastika), having quit his cushy job in the US. His dream is to become a chef. He wants to start a restaurant in Kolkata, much to the disappointment of his parents. June (Pamela) helps Rahul set up his restaurant.
Rony (Parambrata) is trying hard to climb up the corporate ladder. He is happy with his take-home salary and his rich Marwari girlfriend, Swati. The youngest of the three brothers, Raju (Anubrata), is an aspiring actor. Unlike his two brothers, he considers himself to be 'different' — younger but wiser. Raju doesn't believe in serious relationships. He needs his space — something his mother fails to understand why. He's more like a friend to Rony and always comes up with his brilliant ideas whenever Rony is in a fix handling his girlfriend.
However, the coolest member in the family is their Dadu (Soumitra Chatterjee) whose policy is to 'live life king size'. He hates following the doctor's advice. And nothing goes unnoticed from his experienced eyes. Dadu believes that if a man's mind is in sync with his body, one can actually lead a happy and healthy life. He not only understands the pulse of every member in the family but also helps a young college girl Sunny (Parno) — who he befriends at his favourite tea stall — confess her love to the man she loves.
The story touches you as one can relate to the trials and tribulations of the characters at some point or the other. Like when Raju tries to rent a place for himself, he realizes that it is as difficult for any young bachelor guy as it is for a girl looking for a sanctuary. And it is Neha (Neha) who holds a mirror up to him.
The way Mainak has woven the plot, highlighting idiosyncrasies of the Bengali mind is laudable. We hear Anuradha Ray, who plays Rahul's mother, sharing her grievance: "Ranna korbe bole chole elo America theke?!"
Even his take on the Marwari community in Kolkata is interesting...er...funny! Swati's dad asks Rony if he would like to join him in his business, pointing out that "Bangalis toh sirf adda hi maar sakte hain."
Soumitra Chatterjee gives a heartwarming performance, while Anuradha Ray essays an archetypal mother. Shauvik, with his accented Bengali, looks the part. Parambrata is effortless as this soft-hearted, confused and romantic guy who hopes there's one Miss Right waiting for him just around the corner! Raima as Ishani, his friend from college and now a yoga instructor and reiki practitioner, is admirable. To some extent Raima's character seems to be an extension of Soumitra's character. She inspires Param to follow his heart. Anubrata and Neha make a good pair on screen; they are vibrant and full of life. Parno does a good job and looks every bit of a tom-boy in T-shirts and capris.
Something we just can't miss about the film is its portrayal of the female brigade. Far from being docile, Neha, Ishani, Reena and June come across as these bindaas babes who know exactly what to do with their lives. They are confident and can tackle any situation head on.
The best part about the film is in its approach, as to salvage these otherwise cliched subjects like love, passion, ambition and self-discovery. Sunny's track is a bit forced.
But for its humour, which compels one to overlook a few flaws here and there, the film also works for its sparkling dialogues. Styling by Neha and Ajopa deserves a special mention; they've done a good job of giving each actor a distinct look, going by their roles in the film.
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Aseem Seth
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