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Chai Pani spoofs babudom
Manu Rewal's offering is an entertaining satire with Konkona Sen Sharma in a double role.
Chai Pani Etc is a satirical feature film by Manu Rewal with Konkona Sen Sharma in a double role.
It proved to be the surprise find of the International Film Festival in Goa. It will be screened at an International Film Festival in Mumbai on January 9.
The film revolves around Satya (Zafar Karachiwala) and his dilemma, is whether he should bribe to get his work done or just linger on forever? The integrity and idealism of the young expatriate is challenged at every stage by apathy, corruption and the desire to censor unnecessarily.
His friend, played by veejay Gaurav Kapur, makes Satya face up to the ways of the world. However, it is not all bleak and there are enough people within the establishment who are willing to help.
Konkona plays the two girlfriends of the young man, in a convincing double role performance that once again proves her to be one of the best actresses of her generation.
Konkona's Shanti as an NGO teacher in Jaisalmer is remarkable with underplayed sensuality while her Radha is a bold free spirit who shows an unexpected vulnerability.
In one of the memorable scenes, on her first encounter with Satya, she gives him a lingering glance. Is it love at first sight or plain curiosity?
Apart from these three impressive young actors, the film stars Delhi's veteran stage, TV and radio performers who are otherwise rarely seen on the big screen.
There is a marvellous scene in which a minister, played by Bhaskar Ghosh, sees through his department's folly and takes an unusual decision.
Another memorable scene stars Yuri, a popular radio jockey who plays a don who threatens his creditors in front of a shocked Satya. TV newscaster Tejeshwar Singh and stage actress Sinia Duggal, last seen on the big screen in "Perfect Husband", play a hilarious couple who want to get the young man married at all costs.
Chai Pani Etc is an entertaining comedy film full of joy and humour, which pulls its punches at contemporary Indian life with truth and irony.
