Milan Talkies

Milan Talkies is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia. The film stars an ensemble cast including Ali Fazal, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Sanjay Mishra, Shraddha Srinath, Reecha Sinha, and Sikandar Kher. Released under the banner of Filmy Keeda Productions Pvt Ltd., the film is a narrative that beautifully encapsulates the socio-political environment of small-town India while weaving a poignant love story with the world of cinema at its core.

Set against the backdrop of Allahabad, the film throws light on the era before multiplexes dominated the cinematic experience. It explores the vibrant and lively atmosphere of single-screen cinema halls, or talkies, which used to be the go-to entertainment hub for the masses, especially in small towns, and how piracy threatens their existence. Hence, the title Milan Talkies is quite befitting and paints a realistic scenario of the film-watching culture in cities like Allahabad that is slowly fading away.

The film's protagonist is an ambitious and affable young man Annu (Ali Fazal), who brims with a passion for cinema. The charm of Milan Talkies lies in the fact that its protagonist isn't merely an ardent film enthusiast. Annu is a film director at heart and aspires to leave his mark in the world of the film industry one day. Throughout the film, Annu runs a group of 'film friends' who make low-budget films and also show them to the local folks at a place called Milan Talkies.

The movie uses the classic trope of 'big dreams in small towns' to aptly portray the essence of small-town India and its influence on its inhabitants. The quintessential small-town setting filled with local goons, political rivalry, fascination for Bollywood movies and its stars, societal ties, expectations, and pressures are portrayed authentically in this film.

Milan Talkies is not just about the ambitions, struggles, and evolution of a small-town lad. It is, at heart, a love story. Annu falls deeply in love with Maithili (Shraddha Srinath), a studious girl whose dream is to get a good education. She belongs to a very orthodox and strict family who unfortunately disapproves of their relationship. The movie story takes unexpected turns and twists from there on and focuses on love, separation, struggle, and friendship as it progresses.

The director wonderfully juxtaposes their love story with their obsession with cinema which is a running theme throughout the film. The characters' interaction, their dialogues, their fantasies are all shaped by their intimate association with cinema. Maithili and Annu's love story is filled with passion, tenderness, tribulations, and sacrifices much like the movies they adore.

The film is further accentuated by the amazing performances of its cast. Ali Fazal plays his character with sincerity and conviction and does justice to the aspiring and daydreaming filmmaker. His on-screen chemistry with Shraddha Srinath, who made her Bollywood debut with this film, is palpable and elevates their romantic scenes. The supporting cast including Sanjay Mishra, Tigmanshu Dhulia, and Sikandar Kher, add a lot of value to the film with their stellar performances.

The dialogues in the movie have a raw and realistic feel to them. They are the perfect mix of profound, humorous, and emotional, narrating the crucial moments of the story brilliantly. The screenplay, cinematically bright and engaging, reflects Dhulia and Mishra's deep understanding of the Indian heartland.

The soundtrack of the film, composed by Rana Mazumder, Akriti Kakar and Dharma Vish, offers an eclectic blend of songs. The music fits well with the narrative and enhances the overall excel of the film.

In conclusion, Milan Talkies is a tribute to the bygone era of single-screen theatres and a commentary on the journey, dreams, and struggles of its protagonist, set in a small town in India. The juxtaposition of raw romance, the cinematic fascination, and the underlying layer of small-town politics makes it a compelling watch. If you are someone who appreciates a good mix of love, drama, and cinema, Milan Talkies would be an excellent addition to your watch-list.