Straight

Straight is a delightful and endearing 2009 Bollywood comedy directed by Parvati Balagopalan. It explores the perplexities of life, love, and self-discovery through the lens of its protagonist - Pinu Patel, played by Vinay Pathak. Pathak, who has become synonymous with quirky and comic roles in Hindi cinema, once again impresses the audience with his impeccable timing and likability.

Pinu’s life may at first glance seem as straight as the hat he wears - he runs a small, albeit failing, restaurant 'Gaylord' in London and leads a mundane existence. The character of Pinu is humorous and quirky, sporting an array of idiosyncrasies such as his severe mysophobia (fear of germs) and a unique accent, which contribute to the overall comic relief of the film. He is humble yet strange, timid yet strong-willed, straightforward yet utterly confused. His life takes an unexpected turn when he starts questioning his sexuality after a few strange incidents.

Enter Renu (Gul Panag) and Rajat (Siddharth Makkar), who are hired to help revive the restaurant. Rajat is a talented chef who loves cooking as much as he loves men, while Renu is a spirited, independent woman who forms a loving and uplifting friendship with Pinu. Pinu's life quickly spirals, not just managing his failing restaurant, but also navigating the unexpected twist of his developing feelings for man and woman alike.

Gul Panag adds a layer of charm and feminine grace to Straight. As Renu, she is the perfect unassuming love interest of Pinay. Her portrayal of a modern woman who believes in herself and stands against prejudice is inspiring and commendable. Panag's character brings a fresh perspective to the intricacies of love and friendship in this otherwise male-centric narrative.

Among the supporting cast, Anuj Chaudhary as Kamlesh, Pinu's good-looking yet dimwitted mechanic brother, makes an impressive mark. His comic timing and screen presence complement Pathak's and add to the film's overall fun quotient.

The film's chemistry is set against the vibrant backdrop of London, which wonderfully enhances the global milieu of the storyline. It also uses humor to ingeniously delve into themes such as self-discovery, acceptance, love, and friendship without making it heavy or preachy. Straight is a light-hearted take on a serious subject, which is a testament to Parvati Balagopalan's directorial competence. The film also boasts a foot-tapping music score that fits perfectly with the lively pacing and diverse emotional landscapes depicted throughout the movie.

One refreshing aspect of Straight is its unbiased and non-stereotypical portrayal of homosexuality. It neither shies away from the theme nor does it overexploit it for dramatic effect. Instead, it uses humour and subtlety to explore the protagonist's internal struggle and confusion in understanding his sexuality. This, coupled with its fascinating combination of romance, comedy, and drama, makes Straight a stand-out Bollywood film that manages to hold its own unique place.

Straight may not be your typical grand Bollywood extravaganza but it brilliantly captures the essence of the adage 'Variety is the spice of life'. Its strength lies in its simplistic storytelling with relatable characters, witty dialogues, and an unconventional plot, blended with a generous amount of comedy. It is an underrated gem that is a must-watch for anyone looking for a light-hearted, humorous, yet meaningful cinema.

Vinay Pathak shines in his character and delivers a commendable performance, making the audience laugh and empathize with his character's internal emotional turmoil. The film is a winning combination of smart storytelling, well-rounded characters, and skillful performances, which make it a must-watch.

In conclusion, Straight is a delightful, humorous, heartwarming, and thought-provoking film that masterfully encapsulates the journey of self-discovery. Its whimsical charm, witty dialogues, great performances, and an unconventional plot set within the vibrancy of London make it a cherished Bollywood film that leaves you entertained and with a smile on your face.