Chopsticks

Chopsticks is a charming and quirky 2019 Indian comedy-drama film that centers on the theme of life's unexpected twists, and personal growth found within them. Directed by Sachin Yardi and produced by Ashvini Yardi, the film features a stellar cast headed by Abhay Deol, Mithila Palkar, and Vijay Raaz and is flavored with a touch of humor, suspense, and drama that will keep you hooked till the end.

Mithila Palkar, renowned for her work in the Indian digital space, plays the lead role of Nirma Sahastrabuddhe. Nirma, despite her odd name, is a typical woman-next-door, an under-confident translator in Mumbai who knows Mandarin and struggles with her insecurity and self-doubt. Her character is immediately relatable, subtly reminding us of the various vulnerabilities we often hide within ourselves. Palkar's charismatic portrayal of this timid woman who stumbles upon impactful self-discovery is worth appreciating.

On the other side, the multifaceted actor Abhay Deol plays the character of a suave yet mysterious man known as Artist. His character contrasts Nirma's as he exudes confidence and tranquility. His profession is quite unconventional; he's an enigmatic scamster who specializes in retrieving stolen cars with his quick-witted charm and a pet goat named Baahubali. His polished portrayal of an eccentric character displays his versatility as an actor.

This unusual duo of Deol's Artist and Palkar's Nirma are thrust together in a strange twist of fate when Nirma's new car gets stolen by a notorious Mumbai gangster played impressively by Vijay Raaz. The gangster is amusing and eccentric, who believes in astrology and has a fondness for keeping Koi fishes.

Nirma's quest to get her car back leads her to cross paths with Artist. What follows is an offbeat journey through Mumbai's underbelly where they, despite their starkly different personalities and way of life, try to retrieve the stolen vehicle.

The supporting characters, including a hard-boiled corporation-guy, a ruthless gangster, a quirky mechanic, and an amusing car thief, add to the film's unique narrative blend. Their performances served to enrich the film's feel, making it a beautiful collage of various characters and their individual arcs.

Apart from the performances, the film also boasts of crisp editing, a compelling soundtrack, and a determined atmospheric setting that enhances the overall cinematic experience. The film draws you into the bustling streets and hidden pockets of Mumbai city. The city becomes a part of the narrative, a live character that mirrors the characters' transformations through its own vibrant spirit.

‘Chopsticks’ is an elegant metaphor used by the director to symbolize the concept of handling situations in life, a symbol of challenge, and the idea that the tricky task of eating with chopsticks has parallels with the challenging situations we encounter in our daily lives. The film uses this concept to paint a wider picture of self-belief and confidence that ties together its various stories.

Overall, Chopsticks is grounded and light-hearted, standing out for its simplicity. It's a delightful watch with charming performances and an intriguing storyline which subtly peels off layers of Mumbai city and its people. It utilizes the classic formula of a coming-of-age story, using commonplace settings to narrate an inspiring and joyful story.

There’s drama and adventure, laughter, and lessons that truly make the movie a relishing watch. This film is more than just a comedy, it is a life-altering journey for the lead characters and a heartwarming tale about personal growth, resilience, strength, independence, and the power of believing in oneself.

Chopsticks is an original Netflix film, demonstrating that Indian cinema has more to offer than traditional Bollywood content. A recommended watch for anyone looking to enjoy a fresh and unique story with endearing performances, packed with the right blend of humor, drama, and thrill.