The lockdown we all faced two years ago is a story we will be telling the generations to come, it was indeed a time when life was uncertain, and we didn’t know if we will make it even to 2022. I am glad we did, and this year, when I learned that Madhur Bhandarkar was making a film on this phase of our lives, I was super thrilled to watch it. Well, I did. India Lockdown that has released on Zee5 today, is about four stories intertwined with one another celebrating the spirit of mankind that dealt with this common issue of the pandemic. It stars Prateik Babbar, Sai Tamhankar, Aahana Kumra, Shweta Basu Prasad, and Prakash Belawadi in lead roles. Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar and co-produced by Jayantilal Gada, the 1 hour 59 minutes film is relatable to an extent.
Despite amazing performances, India Lockdown fails to match up to the impact that the real lockdown has. The actors have given their best, but the story has been told through rose-tinted glasses, so, even if it reminds you of those days, it won’t have the same impact on you.
Things I liked in India Lockdown…
1. Prateik Babbar and Sai Tamhankar
I have to declare that Prateik is the best part of this film, he has simply done a wonderful job. In fact, a lot of people will relate to the pain he feels fending for his family. Sai also compliments him quite well and together, they deliver a solid performance that will actually pinch your heart. Especially that scene where Sai learns who did Prateik steal the food from was the high point of their performance for me. So big kudos to both Prateik and Sai.
2. Shweta Basu Prasad
Playing the role of a commercial sex worker, is quite a challenging one technically, especially getting the body language, the mannerisms, and the lingo is very important. And Shweta aced it, in fact, her character was the most layered, but she stood her ground at every level. Whether it was being the ‘basti ki jaan’ Mehrunissa, or a daughter working to make ends meet back home, I couldn’t stop admiring the job Shweta has done with this film. She has played this part to the T.
Things that could have been better…
1. The story
Considering the concept, the story has a lot of scope that has been untapped. In fact, there are points where it felt a little lopsided, and the second half felt a little dragged, but most importantly I was waiting for that impact to hit me, but it didn’t. Honestly, all of us have had very different experiences in the lockdown, which is why the impact for us also might be varied, but there wasn’t a common sentiment I could feel.
2. Aahana Kumra and Prakash Belawadi have been underutilized
Even though I liked the performances of Aahana Kumra and Prakash Belawadi, there was much more potential in their stories, that I was waiting to come across.
India Lockdown will surely remind you of the memories of all that we faced, but it won’t bring back the sentiments we experienced back then. Still do give it a watch.