Mantra

Mantra is a thoughtfully crafted Indian film directed by Nicholas Kharkongor and released in the year 2017. The cast of the movie comprises several versatile actors, such as Rajat Kapoor, Kalki Koechlin, Shiv Panditt, and several others.

The narrative selects a unique aspect of India from the turn of the millenium, specifically, the years when the country was shifting from a protectionist state to a globalized economy. The movie sets in 2004, just when the Indian markets were opening up to multinational corporations.

The lead character, Kapil Kapoor, played by Rajat Kapoor, is the owner of a struggling snack brand - King Chips that once used to rule the market but is now losing its ground to foreign brands. Kapil’s character symbolizes old India- traditional, stubborn, and resistant to change while his competitors symbolize the new wave of globalization and westernization hitting Indian shores.

The title 'Mantra' is a metaphor orchested to symbolize a desperate, last-resort solution Kapil seeks to rescue his failing company from hitting the rock-bottom, and restore his self-esteem. Adding to his woes are his strained personal relationships. He’s a man with the world on his shoulders, caught in a delicate position between the marketing sharks, his stooped business, and his disintegrating family.

Parallel to Kapil's business struggles, we also get glimpses into the lives of his family members, each battling their own personal demons and adjusting to the changing family dynamics. His son Viraj, elegantly portrayed by Shiv Panditt, is rebellious and longs to escape his suffocating environment. Moreover, his estranged wife, played by Lushin Dubey, alongside Kalki Koechlin has turned to spirituality to combat her emotional battles. There's a similar sense of disorientation and loss in their characters that reflect the embrittle breakages in the ornate fabric of relationships.

Kalki Koechlin, portraying the character of Kapil’s daughter, Piya, is a free-spirited lady caught in the changing ideals of society, the clash of traditions and modernity, and the conflict of her own identity. Her portrayal is exceptionally realistic and adds the vital third dimension to the film.

The rising tension of the story centers upon amalgamating the perspectives of the older generation with the new and the conflicting reaction to the forces of globalization. This brilliant encyclopedia is not only confined to the main premise but also goes beyond the interpersonal relationships, exploring the transformation in the ethical and moral fabric of society, which is a direct or indirect consequence of globalization.

Characters in this movie are realistic and relatable in the sense that they encapsulate a myriad of emotions and complexities. Each character is well-developed, with their own back stories and unique personalities, contributing substantially to the overall narrative.

Visually, the movie is beautiful to watch with its vivid cinematographic choices. It has successfully portrayed the contrasting urban landscapes and chaotic veins of Delhi. The screenplay spins an emotional yet gripping narrative, effortlessly leading the audience into the lives of its characters. The dialogues resonate with authenticity and bring alive the subtleties of each circumstance smoothly.

One key highlight of Mantra is its unconventionally mature handling of topics like consumerism, identity crisis, familial values, and economic adversity within one storyline. Kapil's endeavor to survive in a brutally competitive market and the humanistic portrayal of his anguish, insecurity and exhaustion throughout that process is a compelling watch.

The acting prowess of the ensemble cast is fantastic and each one adds to the depth and roundness of the movie. Special mention of Rajat Kapoor, who with his controlled and nuanced performance breathes life into the character of Mr. Kapoor. Kalki Koechlin with her effortless performance flawlessly executes the complexity of her character Piya.

On the whole, ‘Mantra’ is a symbolically rich and impactful film which exhibits a splendid mix of drama and reality, striking a balance between the past and the present. It is a comment on the rise of globalization in India and its impact on human lives and relationships. Yet, it never feels preachy, and subtly comments on these societal changes through compelling character narratives. This amalgamation of various elements makes ‘Mantra’ truly 'unmissable.'