What Are the Odds?

What Are the Odds? is an Indian dramatic comedy film from 2019 which is both whimsical and refreshing in its portrayal of contemporary urban youth. The story introduces us to an eccentric world of two wildly creative misfit teenagers, Vivek and Ashwin, played by Yashaswini Dayama and Karanvir Malhotra respectively.

As the name suggests, 'What Are the Odds?' is indeed a game of probability as the narrative patter freely between realism and surrealism in a setting that is surprisingly ordinary - the bustling city of Mumbai. The simple premise of the film rests on an odd brigade of school kids, each character peculiarly interesting in their own unique way. The film uses the landscape of Mumbai, blending colorful cityscapes along with quiet neighborhood lanes and scenes from the ever bustling school, to orchestrate a painting of unusual circumstances and choices that the lead duo encounter.

Yashaswini Dayama as the imaginative and rebellious Vivek is a delight to watch. Vivek, a girl who dreams of playing the drums in her band, is overtly creative, a tad rebellious, and holds a complete disregard for authoritarian rules. She meets the diligent and rule-abiding school head boy, Ashwin, played by Karanvir Malhotra, in the oddest of circumstances. They form an unlikely friendship that takes them on an adventure where chance and coincidence play significant roles. Ashwin's character is well-executed, providing us with an insight into the world of an academically driven youngster who is often unnoticed amongst the crowd.

The narrative unfolds one day when they accidentally miss an important school exam, leading to interesting, and sometimes comic, circumstances. Instead of getting worked-up, they spend this day exploring their city, their dreams, and eventually, themselves. Their chemistry evolves through the movie as they encounter peculiar situations and equally oddball characters. The unlikely duo drives the story forward, constantly challenging us to revise our thoughts about what is normal and commonplace.

Adding to the repertoire of interesting characters is Abhay Deol, in a surprising supporting role. He plays an eccentric musician and graphic novelist named Val, who crosses paths with Vivek and Ashwin, thereby managing to further complicate their day.

The film, a lighthearted dramatic comedy, puts forth a coming-of-age plot that thaws into a jovial reckoning of teenage ambitions and fears enmeshed within their extraordinary yet ordinary world. It exposes the audience to a quirky and rare narrative structure. Creator Megha Ramaswamy uses an extraordinary blend of wit, surrealist humor, and relatable issues thereby stripping down the more familiar media portrayal of youth, making it stand out from the regular flicks about teenagers.

The strength of 'What Are the Odds?' lies in its ability to keep the narrative engaging, steering clear of the general angsty narratives of teenage rebellion. Instead, it focuses on the vivacity, eccentricity and the untamed spirit of adolescence that transforms an ordinary day into extraordinary circumstances. The film is filled with vividly eccentric imagery, a burst of unexpected music scores, and the occasional animation scene. With these elements, it offers whimsical and dream-like sequences that parallel the intelligent, curious, and often absurd reality of adolescence.

The film’s idiosyncratic tone is further amplified by the exceptional performance by Dayama and Malhotra, and the clever character sketching by Megha Ramaswamy. The non-linear narrative and the well-timed comical elements of the film allow for an engaging watch.

In conclusion, 'What Are the Odds?' is a refreshing and disorderly comedy where Megha Ramaswamy manages to show us the playful, complex, and vibrant world of modern youth. It is a unique and whimsically presented story that offers viewers an escape from conventional cinema, creating an eccentric world of chaos and charm that is ever so relatable.