The President Is Coming

The President Is Coming is a 2009 Indian mockumentary satirical comedy directed by Kunaal Roy Kapur. The film features prominent Indian actress Konkona Sen Sharma, along with an ensemble cast including Shernaz Patel, Shivani Tanksale and others. It had its premiere at the New York Indian Film Festival and is an adaptation of an eponymous play written by Anuvab Pal who also penned the screenplay for the film.

The narrative of this unique satire is set against the backdrop of President George W. Bush’s impending visit to India, reflecting a fervor of anticipation among the people who eagerly await the arrival of the American president. Not only does the movie explore the socio-political perspectives, but it also serves a multitude of comical interpretations of various viewpoints prevalent in the society.

Konkona Sen Sharma, known for her stellar performances in movies like Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, Page 3, and Omkara, plays the role of a young, ambitious novelist in this movie. Sen Sharma's character is depicted as a strong, intelligent, and ideologically charged woman experiencing the ruthless world of PR and media.

The movie brims with wit and hilarity. The plot is hinged on a reality TV contest designed to select a young Indian to shake hands with the U.S President on his visit. The enormous honor attached with this presidential hand-shake escalates the competition into a chaotic, hilarious event enmeshed in overblown ambitions, patriotic zeal, and clash of personalities among the participants.

Shernaz Patel, another seasoned actress, portrays the role of a curator who is equally desperate to win this competition, perfectly conveying the intensity and absurdity of the situation. Shivani Tanksale completes this ensemble cast, rendering a noteworthy performance amidst a sea of unique characters.

The strength of this movie lies in its fresh narrative, stellar performances, and the brilliant mix of satire and comedy. The narrative is hilariously ridiculous at times, but underneath the comic undertone is a profound commentary on the Indian middle class's aspirations, the fusion of cultures, and the impact of globalization on the country’s socio-political fabric.

Kapur’s direction is impeccable, ensuring the smooth transition of the narrative from stage to screen. The film's pacing is an extraordinary balance of farcical movements mixed with subtle politics and dry humor. The screenplay by Anuvab Pal is sharp, intelligent, and profoundly funny, inducing maximum laughter with minimal ingredients. Along with the primary cast, the performances of the supporting artists also heighten the humor and add depth to the storyline.

The settings, dialogues, costumes, and overall production design ingeniously reflect the socio-cultural milieu of urban India in the early 21st century, highlighting the evolving Indian identity in the global world. The movie also paces the rapid progress of Indian media and how it reacts to international events symbolizing the aspirations of the nation.

It is important to note, The President Is Coming is less about the actual visit of the U.S President and more about people's desperate struggle to impress and get a piece of global validation. The eccentricity of the characters mixed with sharp comic moments makes this film an amusing watch.

In conclusion, The President is Coming isn't your typical Bollywood movie. It is a unique, biting satire that elicits chuckle-inducing characters, amusing dialogues, and tumultuous situations with thoughtful commentary on Indian societies standing in the global world. Whether you're a fan of political satires or a fun, engaging comedy – this movie is sure to leave you entertained.