7 Days

7 Days is a 2021 comedy and romance film directed by Roshan Sethi and features a talented cast, including Karan Soni, Geraldine Viswanathan, Gita Reddy, and others. This heartening, entertaining, and amusing film is a vital introduction to the themes of human connection, cultural traditions, identity, and love.

The film opens with Karan Soni playing the role of Ravi, a practicing traditional Indian man who is single and under significant family pressure to settle down and marry. Although the concept of arranged marriage doesn't entirely resonate with his values, Ravi sincerely desires to find a partner and share his life with someone special. Ravi's parents take it upon themselves to find a suitable partner for him, and they make introductions to Rita, portrayed by Geraldine Viswanathan, a determined and valuable personality who carries a relatable free spirit and strength.

The narrative of the movie is deeply rooted in traditional Indian culture, focusing on the significance of arranged marriages and how it contrasts with the Western ideals of love and relationships. The movie underscores how modern relationships struggle with the intermingling of these two perspectives and it narrates this in a light-hearted and engaging way without overlooking the importance and sensitivity surrounding the theme.

The two lead characters, Ravi and Rita, are then locked together for '7 Days' due to a chance happenstance - a city-wide "shelter in place" order. Both compelling and relatable individuals, they are put in a situation where they are left to navigate and unfold their unique personalities, ponder upon their pre-conceived notions of love, and confront their apprehensions and fears about relationship and commitment in a comedic and heartwarming manner.

As the movie progresses, we witness Ravi and Rita's relationship evolve from almost strangers to a close bond. The seclusion gives them time to truly understand each other beyond their differences, vulnerabilities, and occasional conflicts. The audience is shown various aspects of their personalities, giving a rounded perspective of their characters, beliefs, and attitudes towards life.

The film not only capitalizes on the comic timing of the brilliant actors Karan Soni and Geraldine Viswanathan but also hilariously drives home the ongoing debate over traditional versus modern views on love and marriage. Their characters' relationship is impressively detailed and comes alive through their stellar performances. Their chemistry on-screen is remarkable, and they engage the audience effortlessly with their performances.

Roshan Sethi, directing his first feature film, exhibits an excellent understanding of the subject matter and brings out the best from the storyline and the actors. He magnificently brings the cultural complexities and personal experiences on the screen while maintaining a balance between depth and entertainment in the story.

Gita Reddy, in addition to other supporting casts, also deserves special mention for their roles. They were instrumental in showcasing the character's family backgrounds and providing a realistic environment, adding to the overall richness of the film.

The film’s setting is simple, primarily centered around Ravi and Rita’s homes. It carefully uses its space, reinforcing the feeling of seclusion, and the cinematography cleverly captures moments of both solitude and companionship. The backdrop is warm and inviting, manifesting an authentic and relatable narrative in line with the storyline.

Reminiscent of the classics in the romantic comedy genre, the film has a charming sense of sarcasm and wit embedded throughout its plot. While it provides plenty of laughs, it also has its share of touching moments that make it a moving and heartfelt narrative. These elements result in an enjoyable viewing experience, delivering both profound insights and light-hearted humor.

Music is another aspect of the film that adds depth to its narrative. It successfully set the mood and remains a comfortable, even if subtle, backdrop keeping the audiences engaged throughout.

In brief, 7 Days is a tender-hearted and delightful exploration of personal beliefs, cultural values, and the transformative power of human connection. A must-watch for those who enjoy romantic comedies, this film offers thoughtful content, humor, and blossoming romance, all strongly anchored in well-written characters and excellent performances. This film is a soulful narrative of acceptance and tolerance; proving how love, in the broadest and profound context, can overcome cultural and personal differences. The movie emphasizes that even in the era of modernization, certain traditional customs, if understood and applied in the correct sense, can provide profound life lessons. It's a light-hearted and poignant commentary on modern love, standing out in its refreshing take on cultivated relationships and evoking feelings of joy and compassion along with offering an entertaining ride.