Mixed Doubles

'Mixed Doubles' is realistic, but extremely funny & entertaining, as well. Its an under-rated film, that hasn't lapped up the way it should have with film buffs.

'Mixed Doubles' Synopsis: To spice up his life, a husband asks his wife to swap him for another male, while he swaps her for the other male's wife.

'Mixed Doubles' tells an absurd love-story of a couple, with a lot of humor, which quite frankly, works the most for this venture. The Screenplay is innovative & engaging. However, the final 20-minutes, are disappointing. The climax, in particular, looks artificial. Rajat Kapoor's Direction is simple, yet perfect. Cinematography & Editing are average.

Performance-Wise: Ranvir Shorey & Konkona Sen Sharma lead the film with sterling performances. Both of the actors, are in top-form! Koel Purie is excellent. Rajat Kapoor, himself, delivers a natural performance. Saurabh Shukla is decent. But the actor who steals the show, is, Vinay Pathak. In a brief role, the highly-talented actor pitches in a splendid performance. Naseeruddin Shah looks tired in a cameo.

On the whole, 'Mixed Doubles' is quite a fun ride.

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

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.

I think the movie was really well made. Apart from its theme which has mostly been the topic of discussion, I think its the general treatment of the movie which is commendable. The strengths of the movie are its pace, dialogues, humor and some realistic, natural acting by both Konkana Sen & Ranvir Shorey. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the movie and recommend it for some easy, fun viewing.

The movie can be best appreciated by the urban crowd of India. The storyline avoides being overtly sentimental or judgemental about any moral position rather treats the subject in a reasonably light-hearted humorous manner. This assures that you enjoy the movie. Viewer interest is further maintained by good dialogues and acting.

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