Shastry Virudh Shastry (2023) film review

Shastry Virudh Shastry film review

"Shastry versus Shastry" explores a modern issue that hits close to home for many city-dwelling parents – the heavy reliance on grandparents for childcare. The best film offers a captivating experience as it delves into the conflicts arising when a child becomes the center of disagreement between a father and a grandfather. It shines a light on the power dynamics within families, especially focusing on the consequences of patriarchal attitudes.

The narrative follows Yaman (played by Kabir Pahwa), who lives with his grandparents, Manohar (Paresh Rawal) and Urmila (Neena Kulkarni), in Panchgani. Yaman's parents, Malhar (Shiv Panditt) and Mallika (Mimi Chakraborty), work in Mumbai and can only visit on weekends, relying on video chats to connect with their son. However, things take a dramatic turn when Malhar receives a job offer in the US and plans to move with his wife and son. Manohar Shastry strongly opposes the idea, leading to a tense legal battle over custody. 

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This movie is basically a redo of a Bengali flick named 'Posto,' directed by the same duo who made this one. Interestingly, the original film had the seasoned actor Soumitra Chatterjee playing the grandfather. 'Shastry Viruddh Shastry' gives us some really touching moments that hit right in the feels. Scenes like the intense courtroom face-off where the son struggles to see his dad getting questioned by the lawyer, or the kid's cry for help when his grandpa falls sick on the way home from school, are both done really well and hit the emotions just right on screen.

Paresh Rawal, playing the loving grandpa who's a bit wary of his son due to his drinking habits and job uncertainties, nails his performance. Shiv Panditt and Mimi Chakraborty confidently take on their roles as Malhar and Mallika, and Kabir Pahwa as Yaman is just adorable, bringing smiles to the audience at multiple points. But the real star in this social drama is Amruta Subhash, playing a sharp lawyer. She crushes her role, leaving no room for any false moments.

"This movie is packed with emotions and takes you on a journey that many city couples can connect with. The directors, Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, do a great job creating a nostalgic vibe in the film. However, the only hiccup is that it's a bit lengthy at 140 minutes, especially in the last half-hour. That part might make you check your watch, feeling a tad impatient."