Aachar & Co

This has a fairytale-like quality to it, be it in the storytelling style or the frames. Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, whom I recall seeing in 2020's French Biriyani, showcases her love for everything retro and takes us back to '60s & '70s Bangalore, when it carried the vibe of an aesthetically pleasing hill station, while also being a bustling city. It talks of an era where interpersonal relationships (and togetherness), especially between siblings and family members, held utmost importance. The visuals have an inherently vintage beauty to them, and this is majorly the case in interior shots where you get to feast your eyes on intricate household items, decor, and delicious-looking food.

From a plot perspective, Aachar & Co takes us through the journey of ten siblings and their process of dealing with life as part of an orthodox household in Bangalore. I'm guessing the greatest challenge would've been to find real locations to depict the city in those times. The art department has (mostly) done a fine job, and only in very few shots did I feel a momentary jump to the modern day. Casting less-known faces in primary roles also helps establish a faster connection with their characters. In many ways, the writing celebrates the resilience of its women characters, trying to break gender stereotypes, and it is evident in the way Suma gradually (and organically) evolves into the film's protagonist.

Music is also a key ingredient here. Right from the altered version of Suprabhatam in the very beginning, the music underlines both the funny and the emotional scenes. The "Pickle Song" inventively uses kitchen utensils to create a truly unique sound. Some narrative choices did baffle me a little, like the elder brother's absence, especially in the second half, and the film chooses to go for a supremely optimistic finale where all is well. But I fully felt the warmth of being in the Aachar household and would've loved to be a silent member who gets to feast on all the snacks from that locked shelf. I'm really excited to see what Sindhu Srinivasa Murthy does next!

Family entertainer has a lot of giggleworthy earthy Bengaluru feeling. This is a movie to be watched with the parents as almost every 50+ member will have a similar experience to narrate.

Primary characters have been well etched out by the writers. The movie does NOT have crass, double meaning content. Director lets slip a lot of moments where she could have made you shed a tear but intentionally so. Showing emotions without drama is something Indian directors have pick up and this director has excellent control over the craft. This does great good to the mood of the film.

Technically cinematography, art, costume and make-up work have done a great job given the constraints of the budget. The subtle ageing of characters is well captured. The music binds the movie very well. Bindumalini's OST and Songs are too good. It is time that we get to hear her more frequently. Her work elevates the humour. It is a pity that we no longer get to buy CDs of such good work. All the actors have done great justice to the roles but Anirudh Acharya stands out as Senior Jaggu (equal credit to actor and writer here). He has been able to carry wit and goofiness with great ease.

The casting is perfect. You would be able to relate the faces and compare them with wedding albums of your parents/grand parents.

As director, Writer and protoganist - Sindhu has come out a winner in all her responsibilities. The movie is short as per Indian norms. The viewers left the hall thinking aloud that the it could have been a bit longer. A compliment to the editor and such a welcome change to Indian Cinema.

I would recommend this movie to be watched in the big screen along with every senior citizen in the family. I can assure you the weekend following, you would end up having long calls discussing the movie and past generations.

Awesome story and beautiful Retro setup. From first minute to the last each scene is beautifully made. From a single man earner to all the ladies of the house contributing to the family. One of the best movies I have seen this year.

Would surely recommend all of you to watch it with your family. Each actor has given their best, the household names Suma Umma Jaggu - uff Yum Maaa Do concentrate on the lyrics of each of the songs ha ha too good. Billi jhuralla (White cockroach). Next I am going to check out each of the makers names especially director lyrics writer. Best output from each of them.

Highly recommended and proud of Kannada Cinema.

One of the best movies seen in recent times, almost everyone has acted exceptionally. Sindhu has amazing talent and is someone to watch out for in Kannada Industry.

I was able to relate to quite a few things from my childhood as well. Very simplistic depiction of old Bangalore lifestyle and the narrative is gripping throughout the movie. I would have loved it if we had seen a little more of Suma character transition at the end.

My only regret was not able to watch in theater when it was released. I would support these amazing movies anyday over the mass masala movies.

Watch with your family, especially someone who can relate to the old lifestyle.

Although known for its accurate portrayal of old age Bengaluru, there is more to it. It is a narrative of decades of story in a small runtime leaving you wanting more substance for each plot of each decade. Often this is a negative aspect of many movies but once you leave the theater with this sense. You realize that is one of the best attributes of the movie.

Predominantly consisting of newcomers, all the actors provide worth for each role they portray. Timely background score matching the decades and amazing music and songs overall keep you happy. The storytelling of Kannan Gill and Sindhu is amazing and so is the direction.

All in all it's a must-watch movie and you can basket it under the comedy/feel-good genre. You will thoroughly enjoy particularly if you are from Bengaluru and make sure to watch it with generations of family to get all the additional stories for each prop and situation.