Film: Kapoor & Sons
Director: Shakun Batra
Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan, Alia Bhatt, Rajat Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor
Rating: **** (4 stars)
What's it about:
The movie is about two brothers, Rahul (Fawad) and Arjun (Sidharth) who stay away from home. Their parents Harsh (Rajat Kapoor) and Sunita (Ratna Pathak Shah) live with Daadu (Rishi Kapoor) in Coonoor. The two boys return home when their Daadu suffers a heart attack. There are some unresolved issues, not just between the two brothers, but also their parents. Tia (Alia Bhatt) unknowingly adds to to the tension between Rahul and Arjun. Amidst all this, is Daadu's wish to click one family picture.
What's good:
It's good to see that Karan Johar's brand of cinema has moved away from loving your 'perfect' family to loving your dysfunctional family. This family indulges in screaming matches and snapping at each other at the dinner table. They make up too, and that's what makes them so real. Writers Shakun Batra and Ayesha Devitre Dhillon come up with characters that are refreshingly flawed. Tension simmers with various issues like second-child syndrome, sibling rivalry and gender preferences among others being thrown into the fray. Among the supporting cast, Rishi Kapoor as the weed-smoking, porn-loving grandfather who keeps troubling his family by playing dead every now and then, is lovable. The actor can raise laughs and get you emotional with equal ease. Rajat Kapoor and Ratna Patak Shah give flawless performances. From taking potshots at each other at the dining table to making efforts to keep the family together, these two actors make it seem absolutely natural. The movie begins on the right note because of Rajat, Ratna and Rishi. Though Sid and Alia are Dharma protégés, it's Fawad who shines bright. His performance at the "perfect" son with a secret, stands out. The actor shows versatility and vulnerability with equal ease. There's a lot more to this actor than good looks and charm. Sidharth, as the troubled younger brother, is passable. Fawad covers up for him. From Student of the Year to Kapoor & Sons, Sid has improved as an actor, but he still need to work a lot on his craft. Alia's character is that of a catalyst. She breezes through the fun bits and is equally effective in emotional scenes, particularly the one where she talks about her parents. Unfortunately, Shakun doesn't give her much to do.
What's not:
While the characters are refreshing, we wish the pace of the movie was better. The movie has some genuinely funny moments - like the one where the family is having a huge fight over finances while a plumber is at work. When it's time for payment he says 'pay what you think would be right in these financially trying times'. However, at other times, the humour does seem forced.
What to do:
The Kapoors are not a perfect family, but you will love and accept them with their flaws. Go watch this one.
