Jun. 02, 2023|India|123 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Bollywood;Crime;Drama;South;Indian
Description: “Mumbaikar,” a 2023 Hindi-language action thriller directed by Santosh Sivan, is a remake of the Tamil film “Maanagaram” (2017). Starring Vikrant Massey, Vijay Sethupathi, Tanya Maniktala, Hridhu Haroon, Sanjay Mishra, Ranvir Shorey, and Sachin Khedekar, the film marks Sethupathi’s debut in Hindi cinema.
The story revolves around a diverse group of characters, each representing a unique facet of Mumbai. When the son of a mafia don is kidnapped, the lives of ordinary people intertwine unexpectedly. The clash between the kidnappers, those attempting to rescue the child, and the father unfolds as a life lesson for many, revealing unexpected truths along the way.
While the film’s potential is evident with its intriguing characters and a plot ripe for exploration, it falls short due to an inconsistent script that barely delves into the narrative. Characters like those played by Vijay Sethupathi and Ranvir Shorey, though compelling, lack the screen time and backstory they deserve. Ranvir’s background, for instance, is only briefly mentioned, leaving viewers wanting more.
“Mumbaikar” is rich in metaphors, such as RK Laxman’s “common man” doppelganger appearing silently in various scenes and a horse standing behind Sanjay Mishra’s character during a pivotal moment. The climax further emphasizes the quirky nature of the film, as it reveals that none of the characters are aware of each other’s names.
Despite glimpses of brilliance in Sivan’s direction, the film struggles with unevenness and inconsistency. Released on June 2, 2023, it is available for streaming on JioCinema.
Cast director: Santosh Sivan
Cast actor: Vikrant Massey, Vijay Sethupathi, Tanya Maniktala, Ranvir Shorey, Sanjay Mishra, Sachin Khedekar, Hridhu Haroon
Original name: मुम्बईकर