Kapoor & Sons

Kapoor & Sons (Since 1921) is a 2016 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama directed by Shakun Batra and produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. The film boasts an ensemble cast that includes celebrated names like Rishi Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor, Ratna Pathak Shah, Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan, and Alia Bhatt. The screenplay by Ayesha Devitre Dhillon and Shakun Batra seamlessly binds the social fabric of a modern Indian family.

Set in the picturesque hill station of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, South India, the movie offers a heartening and real glance into the everyday drama of a dysfunctional, middle-class family in the heart of India. It provides an interpretation of a family, not through rose-tinted glasses, but rather showcasing human flaws and imperfections. The movie is titled 'Kapoor & Sons (Since 1921)' pointing towards the history accrued by this typical Indian family that spans generations.

Rishi Kapoor plays the lovable patriarch, 90-year-old Amarjeet Kapoor who dreams of getting his family, who live in different corners of the world, under one roof. The character reflects the emotional core of the family, expressing the aged wisdom and the underlying yearning for family happiness.

The plot thickens when his two grandsons Rahul (Fawad Khan), who is an established novelist in London, and Arjun (Sidharth Malhotra), a struggling writer in New Jersey, scramble back to India upon receiving the news of their grandfather's heart attack. The movie quickly gets deeper into family bonds, misunderstandings, and long-held secrets, revealing the many layers that plague our personal lives.

Rajat Kapoor and Ratna Pathak Shah bring to life the marital complexities of the Kapoor parents, each dealing with their definition of disappointment. The characters are thoughtfully written and bring out vivid colors of personal conflicts, parental pressures, and complex relationships.

On the other hand, Alia Bhatt’s character acts as a curious intruder to the Kapoor clan madness and a breath of fresh air with her frivolity and liveliness.

The movie stands out among the crowd for its deft handling of a myriad of emotions - joy, sadness, anger, disappointment, jealousy, longing, and love. It showcases life as it is: a tangled mess of emotions, relationships, and incidents that we need to navigate.

Adding an extra layer to the movie are its memorable songs. The soul-stirring music by Amaal Mallik, Badshah, Arko, and Tanishk Bagchi complements the narrative and swings the mood ranges from melancholic to celebratory.

Shakun Batra, the director, has done an excellent job bringing all these elements together to create a flavorful cinematic experience. Kapoor & Sons (since 1921) is beautifully shot by Jeffery F. Bierman, capturing the rustic charm of Coonoor. The film is a relatable narrative that delves beyond the happy family pictures and dives deep into the cracks of relationships.

Further adding depth to the story is the tight-knit editing by Shivkumar V. Panicker. The film glides smoothly between the past and the present, reality and makeup. The conversations and confrontations are extremely well-executed and give you an immersive movie-watching experience.

The performances in Kapoor & Sons (Since 1921) are excellent rounds-the-board, making it a must-watch. The casting has been pulled off with great charm, contributing to the realism of a regular Indian family setup. Rishi Kapoor shines bright as Amarjeet, and Rajat Kapoor, Ratna Pathak Shah’s marital plight is relatable to many Indian households.

Fawad Khan, with his straight-faced humor, calmness, and connect, stands out and gave a very measured and nuanced performance. Sidharth Malhotra puts up a powerhouse performance as the overshadowed younger brother carrying a heartbreaking subplot, and Alia Bhatt is her sprightly and charming self.

More than just a movie, Kapoor & Sons (Since 1921) is a heartfelt exploration of relationships, delivering an impactful commentary on family dynamics— the bitterness, the joy, the love, the trepidation, the secrets, and confrontation. It's a touching, sincere, and wonderfully woven tale of a family that leaves you with moist eyes and a warm, fuzzy feeling in your heart. Among its unforgettable elements are its thought-provoking dialogues, realistic performances, and heart-rendering plot.