Mixed Doubles

At a time when there were mainly formula films that got made in Bollywood and Anurag kashyap was struggling to get a proper theatrical release of his first film, there came this movie that I watched recently 15years after it got made(it came out in 2006 acc to IMDb) and I have to say, this film felt very fresh and contemporary. First off you have to see this for the supporting cast ,all those character actors of 2000's who have made their mark in Hindi cinema like vinay Pathak, saurabh Shukla, great cameo from manurishi chaddha, rajat Kapoor(who directed the film), and few others. Ranvir shorey and konkana sen playing husband and wife (in real life also they are married) are a treat to watch. And the wife swapping thing(don't worry, not a spoiler as its name suggest it :) ) is such a practical plot. Give it a shot , it's worth it.

A couple in their thirties with a school-going son have everything materially. Jobs, a car, a nice apartment. But in the bedroom, things are not as they were at the beginning of their marriage. From a friend coming over from the USA, the husband hears about "swinging" or wife-swapping. He hopes this may solve their relational problems. He buys a magazine with classifieds and tries to persuade his wife...

Pretty funny and fresh romantic comedy and morality tale (or "a-morality tale" as is proclaimed before the end titles.).

This is definitely one of the most modern stories from India that I have seen. Refreshing and funny and with likable actors.

Recommended if you think that you can identify with a married couple in their thirties. 8/10

Although the IMDb Status says "Filming" while posting this review, the film looked very finished when I saw this at the 2006 International Film Festival of Rotterdam.

This film may deal with the supposedly sensational topic of 'partner-swapping' but is surprisingly watchable. The relationship between Konkana Sen Sharma and Ranvir Shorey feels real. Both do a good job. There is plenty of humor but the film is at heart a gentle romance as well as a cautionary tale. Apart from a few foul words, there is very little that is objectionable in the film. Vinay Pathak and Naseeruddin Shah have nice comic roles while directer Rajat Kapoor chips in with an understated yet decent performance. While admittedly not for everyone, the film is definitely worth watching.

Overall 7/10

Made on a rather decent budget, 'Mixed Doubles' gives us a glimpse of an ordinary married couple Malti and Sunil. Though some people do not seem to understand that ups and downs are part of a normal marriage, they just complicate matters by 'spicing' things up as is the case with Sunil.

What I liked about 'Mixed Doubles' was the honest attempt with which the story is told. Rajat Kapoor's direction is solid and the narration is smooth. It isn't trying to be anything extra-ordinary. It tells a simple story about a common married couple with an uncommon twist. The relationships are shown wonderfully with a sense of humour like the way Malti seduces Sunil or Sunil's father-in-law cussing at him. The characters are very real and easy to relate to. Sagar Desai's exceptional score flows beautifully with the film.

Konkona Sen Sharma, Ranvir Shorey and Naseeruddin Shah all deliver authentic performances. Koel Puri is refreshing to watch and Rajat Kapoor brilliantly downplays his part. Some of my favorite scenes are: when Konkona chases Ranvir with a knife (an act to get him to bed), when Koel busts the balloon and the child pulls a tantrum, when Nasseeruddin is cussing at Ranvir, when Konkona breaks down and the last argument scene before the couple have tea.

'Mixed Double' is made with an honest attempt and it works as a great entertainer while raising a question or two about society and ego (but nothing too heavy).

Beautifully directed! It's a story about a normal middle class happy couple. A man after 10 years of marriage wanting something different 'sexually' but he doesn't know what. That what leads him to being fascinated with his friend's story about 'wife swapping' & he thinks this is what is missing in their mundane normal married life.

Some people fail to understand the constitution of marriage, where ups & downs are very normal sexually or otherwise & they try to complicate the situation in order to add the excitement. Some times it works & other times……………… It definitely leaves a mark & provokes your thoughts It's a must watch. Very natural acting & superb direction