Movie Review: Pagglait

Vidit Bhargava
Pagglait is perhaps the most misleadingly sold movies I’ve ever come across. From the trailers and marketing channels the makers seemed to insist its a “dysfunctional family drama with dark humour”. The movie however, is anything but that. It’s a doleful small town drama. Just like wedding movies, where everything involves around a central wedding event, Pagglait is a death movie; where everything involves around the events post a young man’s death.

That’s an innovative premise to begin with. It’s a new perspective at drama. The characters are ripe for what could be an engaging two hours of your time; and the actors are in sublime form. But unfortunately, the film wastes all that opportunity with weak story telling.

Unnecessary subplots mar what’s a straightforward story, what’s worse is that sometimes the writers just leave them hanging without any closure. For example, we never really fully understand why Sanya Malhotra’s character unable to grieve, decides to gorge on Chips and streat-food instead? Is it shock? Did she not know him well enough? We never really know for sure, we only get hints of an understanding of her view point in other subplots but there’s never a full picture, as the movie moves on to give her character other motives.

The film delves too deep into the post-death traditions; and the shrill, scheming, or just narrow minded characterisation of the family members provide no relief either. By the time we reach the final act, its gotten too melodramatic, too stuffy for its own good. The final act salvages the film’s rather run off the mill small town treatment to some extent but it’s too little too late. It’s a good premise and setting that’s just squandered away by heavy handed storytelling.

Pagglait is not all bad though. It’s got a strong cast that shines throughout. I didn’t find one actor that felt miscast or underperforming. Together they uplift the movie from being barely watchable to something that holds your attention for the entirety of two hours.

Rajesh Tailang, Aasif Khan, Sheeba Chaddha, Ashutosh Raina, Raghubir Yadav, Jameel Khan or Sanya Malhotra’s acting skills need no introduction. They’re great actors who have a knack of making most of what they get. And they get ample time to showcase their talents here. Particularly of note though is Chetan Sharma, who brings a unique vulnerability and fragility to his character of the deceased’s brother. It’s a character that’s been given responsibility way beyond he was ready for, and Sharma just aces the part.

A word about the film’s excellent score too. Arijit Singh’s surprisingly potent as a music composer. It’s his first film as a composer and the background score is top notch, and never really comes in the way of storytelling, it almost always compliments it.

I’m going with two out five for Umesh Bist’s Pagglait and an extra half for the spectacular performances by the ensemble. It’s a movie whose performances will be remembered for much longer than its story.

Rating : ★★ ½