Maska

Maska is an Indian movie, released on Netflix in 2020. This delightful and charming film is directed by Neeraj Udhwani and stars a combination of veteran and new talent including Prit Kamani, Manisha Koirala, and Shirley Setia among others. It skillfully weaves together a tapestry of aspiration, tradition, love, and self-realization, sprinkled with a dash of humor, heartfelt moments, and a whiff of Bombay nostalgia.

The film is centered around the protagonist Rumi Irani (Prit Kamani), a young man hailing from a traditional Parsi family. Rumi is at odds with his heritage and dreams of becoming a famous movie star. He is blessed with good looks and undeniable charisma, making it seem like his dreams are well within reach. Kamani, in his role as Rumi, effectively embodies the youthful enthusiasm and naive certainty that penetrates the air of Bollywood dreams.

The most significant legacy of the Irani family is being the owners of an iconic Irani cafe, Cafe Rustom, widely loved for its renowned 'Bun-Maska’ and chai. This quaint Cafe has been run by the Irani family for generations and is now under the aegis of Rumi's mother, Diana Irani (Manisha Koirala), who is insistent the mantle be passed on to her son. Manisha Koirala, as Diana Irani, impressively represents a mother's undying resolution and the weight of tradition and legacy.

In stark contrast to his mother's wishes, Rumi immerses himself in auditions, enrolls in acting classes, and spends most of his time with Mallika Chopra (Nikita Dutta), a fellow aspirant and his girlfriend who encourages his dreams. Nikita imparts a sense of realism to her character, effectively portraying the practicalities and struggles of trying to make it big in the entertainment world.

The plot takes a turn when Rumi comes across an unexpected ally, Persis Mistry (Shirley Setia), an innocent, bubbly and aspiring blogger obsessed with the city's old-world charm and dying cultural significance. Setia, in her debutant Hindi film role, captures anxiety and curiosity well and leaves a mark with her honest and infectious performance.

Cue in storytelling at its best as the undercurrents of aspirations and legacy, the intricate play of relationships, and a young man's quest for self-realization take center stage. Amid the glamour and glitz of Mumbai, the film explores the dichotomy of dreams vs duty— It raises questions on the cost of ambition, the value of familial tradition, and the importance of self-discovery.

The script is layered and well-crafted. There are heart-tugging moments, portraying the dilemmas and conflicts of the central characters, and there’s always something happening at the cafe, which becomes almost a character in itself–– a persistent symbol of stability, history, and homeliness against the backdrop of a fast-paced, constantly changing city.

The use of Parsi culture and lingual nuances give a unique and refreshing edge to the narrative. The dialogue is sharp, humorous, and relevant; it adds depth to the characters and keeps the narrative engaging.

Director Neeraj Udhwani does a commendable job in navigating through the complexities of the story, balancing Rumi's ambitions, his relationship with his mother, and his growing bond with Persis. The movie showcases the struggle of a young man stuck between preserving his family legacy and chasing his dreams. Maska masterfully blends this conflict with emotional intensity and thoughtful moments often lightened by soft humor and tender romance.

The soundtrack of Maska is another highlight. As is often the case with Indian cinema, music plays a critical part in the narrative, underpinning the story and enhancing the various emotions portrayed on screen. The songs are melodious and catchy, aptly complementing the different situations and moments in the film.

Maska is a heartwarming tale of dreams, duty, and self-realization. It artistically captures the spirit of Mumbai, the struggles of the film industry, the essence of Irani cafes, and the nostalgia of a simpler time. It beautifully highlights the charm of Parsi culture, traditions, and their pivotal role in shaping the socio-cultural framework of Mumbai.

The movie uses the backdrop of the lively city of Mumbai, its dreams and stark realities, along with the serene charm of Irani Cafes, to portray a universal human saga–– that often the journey of finding oneself lies in the delicate balance between familial legacy and personal ambition. Above all, Maska is a homage to Mumbai, its Irani cafes, and a tribute to those who dare to dream differently.