Uunchai movie review: Picturesquely unforgettable ode to love, life and friendship

Uunchai movie review

From wedding trips of the rich and cultured, Rajshri in Unchai sets on a slice of life journey that twines friendships, relationships and love with hope, positivity and values of good virtues in this eye popping and soul massaging drama.

Taking a step ahead from the idealistic cultured family norms seen in Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Saath Hai, Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, Vivah etc, the sanskari (cultured) Rajshri tackles some grey areas of generation gap in this coming of age drama as well.

The touching story by Sunil Gandhi gets a convincing and relatable screenplay by Abhishek Dixit. The prolific Sooraj Barjatya’s smooth narration that flows like a water keep the audience involved and react to every emotion of the characters in every situation.

Uunchai is filled with moments of joy, lost, hope, redemption and more. It’s a two hour forty seven minutes of a roller-coaster ride that walks away with some unforgettable life lessons as well.

Built on the familiar all ages family entertainer/feature template, Uunchai is a slow burner with layers that are introduced as the characters proceed their journey.

The writers give a convincing back story to all the friends making the journey personal as well.

More camaraderie between Bhupen and some nostalgia on how the friendship developed would have worked more wonders in my personal opinion.

Nevertheless, the positive vibe throughout that comes with unforgettable moments and eye-popping visuals of the great Himalayas in a movie that is a pure family outing is something not often nowadays.

Performance

Amitabh Bachchan is class apart.

Anupam Kher is simply brilliant.

Boman Irani is incredible.

Neena Gupta is outstanding.

Sarika is fabulous.

Parineeti Chopra is fantastic.

Nafisa Ali Sodhi in a short role is amazing

Last but not the least,

Danny Denzongpa as Bhupen is top notch.

Technicalities

A shout with a chorus for cinematographer Manoj Kumar Khatoi is a must. Shweta Venkat Mathew editing is fine. George Joseph’s score could have been more soothing. Songs by Amit Trivedi are good.

Final words

Yeh Jeevan Hai – this mesmerizingly unforgettable gem sung by Kishore Kumar in Rajshri’s own 1972 gem Piya Ka Ghar (1972) couldn’t have found a better in-house tribute that is hauntingly beautiful ode to life, love and relationships. If you love life and value friendship then Unchai is your ticket waiting for you at the theatres like the girl at the peak of Mount Everest in the poetry of Bhupen.