Hindi
Dhobi Ghat: A film that goes in no particular direction
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Producers: Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao. |
MUMBAI: Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries), as the title suggests, is a personal account and, hence, hard to involve others. It is about discovering a part of the great metropolis Mumbai and being amazed at it. The trick is whether the same thing amazes the viewers as well! Chances are, the exercise may become as exciting as being invited to watch a neighbour’s vacation videos.
Mumbai Diaries here are limited to the protagonist’s exploits through a part of South Mumbai, colloquially called Mumbai 3. However, in its pursuit of weaving the concept together, the film generously takes liberties with the map of Mumbai. While Aamir Khan, a painter, is in Mumbai 3, the two closest dhobi ghats where the central character of dhobi (Prateik) operates are miles away in reality. It can be called cinematic liberty that he delivers clothes where he does and even mixes up clothes to deliver Aamir’s shirt to Monica Dogra who is desperately trying to locate him. There is also a fourth track of Kriti Malhotra, the previous occupant of the house Aamir rents, where he finds her letters written to her brother through a video camera.
Monica Dogra comes to Mumbai, supposedly to work on the marginal businesses like dhobis, fruit vendors and goes on a shooting spree armed with her camera. She opens her Mumbai visit meeting Aamir Khan and spending the night with him. She is very amiable, you see! Because, next she befriends the dhobi, Prateik, is concerned about his feelings but seems oblivious to the fact that the lad has fallen head over heels for her. As for her work, all she has to show are some coffee table book pictures of people on the street. So what’s new?
For most of its part, the film meanders with irrelevant scenes like the dhobi messing Monica Dogra’s wine-stained blouse top and offering to take it back for a rewash; Dogra’s conversation with her mother on phone. And, finally, Dhobi Ghat, so titled, is not about a dhobi ghat at all!
Since the film goes in no particular direction, that aspect speaks for itself. Cinematography is good and background music effective. Editor has no role in this film.
Prateik needs to add a few more expressions to his repertoire. Aamir Khan has a job on hand, not needed to act and just be someone. Kriti Malhotra has a tough job vocalising her video letters home and does a fine job. Monica Dogra is okay.
While the Aamir Khan brand may bring in a few initial viewers, Dhobi Ghat does not offer anything in the name of entertainment and little in the name of cinematic experience.
Hindi
Zee5 and Applause Entertainment team up for whodunnit ‘Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa’
Rajat Kapoor directs star-studded murder mystery streaming from 10 April.
MUMBAI: Zee5 is serving up another killer collaboration and this time, the murder mystery comes with a generous side of dark humour and family dysfunction. The streaming platform has partnered with Applause Entertainment and Mithya Talkies to bring Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa, a fresh, twisted whodunnit written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker and actor Rajat Kapoor. The film will stream exclusively on Hindi Zee5 from 10 April.
The movie reimagines the classic murder mystery genre with a contemporary, darkly comic edge. It revolves around a group of friends and family who smile, drink, and celebrate together until the silence snaps and long-buried secrets spill out. The stellar ensemble cast includes Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Waluscha De Sousa, Saurabh Shukla, Chandrachoor Rai, Neil Bhoopalam, Koel Purie, Palomi Ghosh, and Rajat Kapoor himself.
This latest offering continues the successful partnership between Zee5 and Applause Entertainment, which has previously delivered diverse hits such as Mithya, Bloody Brothers, and Jab Khuli Kitaab.
&TV Business Head of hindi Zee5 and chief channel officer Kaveri Das said, “Our collaboration with Applause Entertainment has consistently delivered distinct, high-impact storytelling. Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa is a natural progression, reinforcing our focus on genre-led content with a compelling whodunnit premise and a strong ensemble cast.”
Applause Entertainment business head for movies Sunil Chainani added, “This film adds yet another compelling layer to our slate with Rajat Kapoor’s unmistakable voice.”
Rajat Kapoor shared, “What interested me was not just the mechanics of a whodunnit, but the emotional violence that precedes physical violence. These are people who smile at each other, but there’s so much that is not said.”
The film promises razor-sharp writing, layered performances, and simmering tension, inviting viewers not just to solve the crime but to unravel the complex relationships at its heart.
If you love a good murder mystery served with wit and emotional depth, Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa looks set to be your next addictive watch. Mark your calendars, the whodunnit drops on Hindi Zee5 from 10 April.
