Lost and Found

Transcript

Welcome to another episode of OTTplay Lost and Found, one podcast that talks about critically acclaimed films and shows but lesser-known. I'm your host Nikhil.

There are shows that survive the test of time and there are those that transport us to a time and there are those that qualify on both counts.

Today’s Lost and Found, the 1985 Doordarshan sitcom Idhar Udhar is surely one such show. Starring sisters Ratna Pathak Shah and Supriya Pathak Shah along with Ravi Baswani and Lilliput, this comedy of errors is a hat-tip to Three’s Company, the wildly popular American sitcom about two single women and a man who cohabit while sharing a platonic relationship and the series of hilarious misadventures that follow.

And the desi version, Idhar Udhar is only a bit localized.

The tone and exchanges may seem a bit over the top today but do consider that this show was produced in 1985 and before dismissing it altogether. The situational comedy, however, is on point and Baswani’s one-liners and silly shenanigans are a riot. But what really stands out is the remarkable chemistry the Shah sisters share onscreen as close friends Sunita and Poonam. The former plays an air hostess and a bimbo and the latter’s a copywriter with an advertising firm, complete with thoughtful eyes peeping out of heavy-set glasses. Injecting stereotypes in television writing was not the exception but the norm at the time and was often even exaggerated for comic relief. But if you’re willing to look beyond this, Idhar Udhar offers a peek into the simple turns and thwacks that will encourage you to break into a chuckle or three.

You can watch Idhar Udhar on YouTube.

Well, that's the OTTplay Lost and Found episode for today, until the next podcast it's your host Nikhil signing out.

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

Every once in a while, we come across a movie that can hardly be slotted. Breaking the conventional mould of cinema, these gems redefine the landscape of storytelling. Onur Tuke l’s 2016 dark comedy-drama Catfight is one such film. And it’s our Lost and Found for today.

The title of the film may paint a mental image of two squabbling women, possibly taking off their earrings and accessories before going for the kill. Or perhaps, resorting to more subtle yet deceptive measures to trounce the other, while twirling their locks with their index finger. And we have pop culture to thank for this stereotypical depiction of female spats that have hardly gone beyond hair pulling and bitter insults. Take Feud for instance, Ryan Murphy’s campy miniseries about the famous rivalry between Hollywood actresses Joan Crawford and Bette Davis which largely underlines the acerbic exchanges between the screen legends.

But Catfight packs a lot more grit, intensity, and graphic violence. The film revolves around two estranged college friends, Veronica (played by Sandra Oh) and Ashley (played by Anne Heche). When the two cross paths at a party, their deep-seated contempt for each other surfaces instantly. Veronica is a wine-sucking housewife who's a victim of excess privilege, while Ashley is a self-centred artist who’s struggling in her career. Things escalate rapidly when the two acid-tongued ladies share their views on the other and we’re led to the film’s first catfight. This is a bone-crushing, skull-smashing, body-dragging affair with no holds barred. The result is just as life-altering, and one of them actually slips into a coma. But when she does emerge from her prolonged state of unconsciousness, it’s time for round two.

Catfight upends the conventional idea of a movie with two female leads. Companionship and sisterhood are swapped with seething rage and sweet revenge. Where this film takes the whole premise may seem a bit of a stretch but it’s rather commendable for building a construct that delivers such a relentless story of hate.

If you somehow missed watching this flick then do so, it's streaming exclusively on Netflix.

Well, that's the OTTplay Lost and Found film Catfight for today's podcast. I shall be back again with another critically acclaimed film, until then it's your host Nikhil signing off.

Rituparno Ghosh’s 2008 travel drama Khela makes for a perfect companion on a chilly winter afternoon. The film’s heartwarming story revolves around the unexpected bond forged between an eccentric filmmaker Raja (played by Prosenjit Chatterjee) and a precocious child, who’s cast as the lead in the filmmaker’s forthcoming film. Despite his wife’s long-standing desire to have a child, Raja is firmly against the idea. But his opinion of considering parenthood is altered through his interactions with a teenage actor. This also leads to a natural character progression as Raja discovers facets of his personality that he never knew existed.

Despite seeking emotional support from his patient wife Sheela (played by Manisha Koirala), Raja initially ignores her needs and desires. But then he’s encouraged through his own journey of self-realisation to acknowledge and accept Sheela’s idea of a family. Khela’s simple narrative style packs in themes such as companionship, loyalty and family, without being too overbearing or pedantic.

Avik Mukhopadhyay’s intuitive lens captures the luscious greens of North Bengal, almost rendering it as the third character within the narrative. Khela is a breezy watch that snuggles close to your heart and leaves you with a sweet aftertaste.

If you haven't watched this yet, then do so streaming now on Zee5, Google Play and Jio.

Well, that's the OTTplay Lost and Found hidden gem film for today. I shall be back pretty soon with another interesting critically acclaimed film. This is your host Nikhil signing out now