Abhay Deol

Star cast : Yashaswini Dayama, Karanvir Malhotra, Abhay Deol, Monica Dogra

Producer : Abhay Deol

Director : Meghana Rama Swamy

So, continuing the series of reviewing movies and shows during the lockdown period, our today’s pick is the Inde English/Hindi film What are the Odds. Directed by Megha Ramaswamy, this film is now available on Netflix.

What’s it about?

Vivek(Yashaswini Dayama) and Ashwin(Karanvir Malhotra) are two teens who meet in school after bunking their scholarship exam. They start talking and very soon they get along well and star facing different people and weird experiences one after the other. The film is all about their journey and coming of age feelings.

What’s good?

The lead pair gives a solid performance and are cute in their roles. Karanvir Malhotra looks dashing and has all the trapping to be a big star in the Hindi cinema. Coming to Yashaswini, she has already done diverse roles in OTT platforms and is perfect as the confused teen. Abhay Deol does his part well and holds the film to an extent. The innocence of the lead pair and how one looks at things at this age is shown well in the film. The fish episode looks a bit interesting in the film.

What’s bad?

The story of the film is pretty ordinary and does not have a strong conflict point. It is more about the lead pair’s experiences of handling certain things in life. The pace of the film is quite slow and has an art film kind of a feel. The ending is also quite simple and is nothing great. The emotions in the film are not that great as the film moves on a simple note.

Final Word :

Overall, What are the Odds is a film that has a simple story about two teens dealing with different things in their own way. While the film has a sweet charm and good performances, the narration is insipid and does not entertain you mostly making it a dull watch during this lockdown period.

Rating: 2.5/5

Starring : Abhay Deol, Mithila Palkar, Vijay Raaz

Directed by : Sachin Yardi

Produced by : Ashvini Yardi

Cinematography : Kedar Gaekwad

So, continuing the series of reviewing movies and shows during the lockdown period, our today’s pick is the Netflix original film Chopsticks. Directed by Sachin Yardi, lets now see how it is.

What’s it about?

Nirma Sahastrabuddhi (Mithila Palkar) is an introvert, under-confident Mandarin translator who buys a swanky new car. But to her bad luck, the car gets stolen the same evening. Left with no choice, Nirma starts looking for the car herself. She also meets a conman(Abhay Deol) and asks him for help. They both start looking for a car and cross paths with a local gangster played by Viza Raaz. The rest of the story is as to how they find the car finally.

What’s good?

Mithila Palkar, who has become a famous name on OTT platforms does a superb job. She as an introvert gives a fine performance and is the best of the lot in the film. Abhay Deol is also neat in his role but he is not in the best of forms. The comedy generated through the name Nirma in several occasions is superb. But the best of the lot is Vijay Raaz, who plays the goat loving gangster. There some fun scenes that keep you hooked while the lead pair look for the car in dire circumstances. The BGM and camera work is amazing.

What’s bad?

The basic execution of the film looks silly. The situations are right but the manner in which they are unleashed looks over the top in many areas. There is no great comedy nor the drama is solid. The film is good in bits and pieces but that does not what someone looks forward from an Abhay Deol film. In many scenes, he looks like he is sleepwalking his role. The ending is also a bit rushed.

Final Word :

Overall, Chopsticks is a film that has a good premise but is narrated in a haphazard manner. While one scene looks good, the other keeps irritating you with its over the top nature. Except for the performance of Mithila Palkar. this film has nothing much to showcase.

Rating: 2/5

Lockdown Review : What are the odds – Hindi film on Netflix

Lockdown Review : Chopsticks – Hindi film on Netflix