Cast: Paresh Rawal, Shiv Pandit, Neena Kulkarni, Mimi Chakraborty, Kabir Pahwa, Amruta Subhash, Manoj Joshi.
Director: Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half
Review: The movie begins by introducing us to the vibrant world of Momoji, a delightful 7-year-old boy played by Kabir Pahwa, who shares his life with his loving grandparents, portrayed by the talented Neena Kulkarni and the ever-versatile Paresh Rawal. The film showcases Momoji’s playful and affectionate relationship with his grandparents, highlighting the deep bond they share.
However, Momoji’s parents, residing in bustling Mumbai and engrossed in their demanding careers, make periodic visits to their son’s grandparents’ home. These visits reveal the strained relationship between Momoji’s father, portrayed by Shiv Pandit, and his father Guruji, a retired music teacher who still imparts his musical wisdom to children at home. Guruji harbors doubts about his son’s ability to provide for Momoji, sparking tension within the family. The narrative takes a significant turn when circumstances lead Momoji’s father to contemplate a career change and a life-changing opportunity in the United States, bringing a compelling twist to this family saga.
As Momoji’s parents consider taking him with them to the United States, they make a heartfelt plea to Guruji, seeking his permission to do so. However, Guruji vehemently denies their request, leading to an emotional conflict that deeply wounds Momoji’s father. In a bold move, he defiantly declares his determination to take Momoji with him, regardless of the obstacles. This intense clash between family members leads to Guruji filing a court case, unexpectedly transforming the film into a gripping courtroom drama. The story takes a thrilling turn as the legal battle comes in, revealing the complexities of relationships and the pursuit of what’s best for Momoji. The courtroom drama becomes the heart of the film, drawing viewers into the intense struggle between tradition and opportunity. Although the developing first half might bore you, but, the twists and turns in the climax of the film hold the key to a beautiful and meaningful conclusion, making it a compelling reason to experience this family drama on the big screen.
When it comes to the direction and storyline, Shastry Virudh Shastry stands out as a successful Hindi adaptation of a highly acclaimed Bengali film. Directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, the movie skillfully retains the essence of the original while catering to a wider Hindi-speaking audience. The direction showcases a commendable effort in bringing out the emotional depth of the story, even for those who haven’t seen the Bengali version. The well-crafted writing and dialogues play a pivotal role in conveying the complexities of the narrative, ensuring that the essence of the story is effectively conveyed to the viewers.
The music in Shastry Virudh Shastry adds a significant layer of emotion and depth to the storytelling, with a soundtrack that features nearly six songs. These songs beautifully complement the narrative, making the overall viewing experience more watchable.
Performances
The ensemble cast of Shastry Virudh Shastry delivers standout performances that add depth and emotion to the film. Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Guruji is nothing short of remarkable, and he truly captures the hearts of the audience. If Momoji is the heart of the film, Guruji can aptly be described as the spine, providing strength and emotional resonance to the narrative. His versatility is evident in every pause and every line delivery, drawing the audience into the depth of his character. Neena Kulkarni, as Guruji’s wife, delivers a phenomenal performance, casting a magical spell on the screen with her presence. Shiv Pandit as Momoji’s father impresses with his incredible acting, while Mimi Chakraborty, though with limited dialogues, shines in her role as Momoji’s mother. Amruta Subhash as the lawyer brings a fierce element to the story, with perfect casting that enhances the courtroom drama. Manoj Joshi, in his multifaceted role, provides a compelling performance, and the entire supporting cast dutifully fulfills their roles, adding to the overall impact of the film.
What doesn’t work:
The cinematography, while good, doesn’t reach the level of perfection, although there are shots that surprise with their glorious and visually appealing nature, such as the beach scene of Guruji and his son. In Shastry Virudh Shastry, there are areas where the film’s editing could have been improved. Some viewers might find that the editing, at times, lacks the finesse it deserves, and there are instances where the flow could have been smoother. About the use of J-cuts, there were 2 of them used as far as i remember. It felt that the first J-cut was too short and the second one, didn’t felt appropriate. It should have been more longer. Additionally, the inclusion of a party song might feel out of place, potentially attempting to align the film with mainstream Bollywood conventions rather than enhancing the story’s emotional impact. Also, not forgetting the fact that the ending of the film felt cliché and predictable.
Lastly, Shastry Virudh Shastry is worth watching atleast once. It is a touching family drama that explores the complexities of generational relationships and responsibilities. The film delivers a beautiful and thought-provoking message that resonates deeply with its audience, emphasizing that while time plays a crucial role in our lives and relationships, it’s not the only thing that matters.
-By Jeet Pasad.