Zwigato

Life as a delivery partner is far from glamorous. It's a harsh reality that exposes the stark inequality and exploitation that exists in our society. Despite working long hours and taking on immense physical and mental strain, these workers often earn a meager wage that barely covers their basic needs.

The disparity between the wealthy and the working class is striking, with the former benefiting from the labor of the latter while offering little in return. Delivery partners are forced to navigate treacherous roads and face dangerous situations, all while being paid as little as 20 Rs for their services.

This exploitation is perpetuated by a system that prioritizes profits over people, with companies relying on underpaid workers to maximize their margins. The heartbreaking reality is that many of these workers are trapped in a cycle of poverty, unable to break free from the clutches of an unjust system.

It's time for society to acknowledge and address the systemic issues that contribute to the exploitation of delivery partners and other low-wage workers. Until we recognize the humanity of these workers and value their contributions, we cannot claim to live in a just and equitable society.

Nandita Das' latest directorial venture, Zwigato, is a movie that tells the story of a man who becomes a delivery boy to make ends meet after losing his job during the pandemic. Kapil Sharma's performance as the protagonist is remarkable, and he does an excellent job of portraying the struggles and hardships of a middle-class delivery boy.

The movie is a tribute to the working-class people who bear the burden of running our cities while dealing with an ongoing employment crisis, inflation, and social and gender justice. It is a silent recognition and request to respect and empathize with an invisible class of workers.

Shahana Goswami's portrayal of the silent support that women provide as equal pillars of a simple family is noteworthy, adding a layer of subtlety to the movie's message. The film is slow-paced, but it is in those slow mundane moments that we see how a working-class person battles and parallelly lives with complicated overarching issues of religion, class, and caste.

Zwigato is a movie that dwells on the positive side of contemporary cinema, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Kapil Sharma's performance is praiseworthy, and it is entirely different from his typical persona as a comedian. The emotions that he portrays are authentic and will leave a lasting impression on the viewer.

The beauty of this movie lies in its cinematography. The frames are raw in nature and showcase a realistic depiction of a delivery boy's life. The background music is melodic and could have been used more significantly.

However, the screenplay is the real culprit that cuts the score of the movie. It does not seem like a long story but many anecdotes joint together to serve an episodic type of content. Nevertheless, the subtle humor that is spread in these joints contributes the most in saving the flaws.

Overall, Zwigato is an emotional movie that touches the heart and soul of the viewer. It is a message in itself and will make the viewers realize how often they are rude and inhumane with these delivery persons who work hard but do not earn much. It is a must-watch for those who want to understand the life of a delivery boy and respect them for their hard work. I would rate this movie 7 out of 10, and I recommend it to everyone.

Respect for delivery persons after watching this movie. Nandita Das has done incredible job just by thinking of a movie like this. Rest of the work has been done with pure class by Kapil . I was a great fan of his comedy but had never imagined that he can also act so well. What an all rounder he is... I mean singing,standup, acting everything. Inhuman at his level.

Direction is also great. The depiction of life of a common man from lower class is exact and incredible. Nothing in this movie is off. You are definitely going to get emotional after watching this movie. Also you will never disrespect any delivery boy ever.

Kapil Sharma is back on big screen after years of break. The expectations were set high after the trailer release. But in reality, the film fails to deliver it for the most part.

Pretty much everything was revealed in trailer itself. Most audience are curious to witness the climax. But with Zwigato, even the climax is a miss. One never knows where the film began, where it is going and where it ended. It was too abstract for a movie.

The effort of the director to earn respect for gig workers is the only thing that actually succeeded. It does touch the softer side of audience. But did it really require a 2 hour movie for it? I don't believe so. Everything one sees in the movie was actually present in trailer itself. The predictability element was way too high.

Kapil Sharma plays his part well and connects with audience due to the common man looks and the familiarity. Shahana Goswami does great job playing as a loving and caring wife and earns sympathy of audience for the struggle that the underprivileged go through.

Overall this is strictly an one time watch OTT movie at max. One can avoid that too by just watching the trailer because the movie didn't have anything interesting per se, which was already not shown in trailer.

Zwigato delivers a stark and poignant glimpse into the often-overlooked life of a delivery worker, capturing the relentlessness and vulnerability of the job with raw realism. Kapil Sharma, stepping away from his comedic roots, surprises with a nuanced and earnest portrayal that grounds the film's emotional depth. The story itself unfolds with an intentional pace, immersing viewers in the character's daily struggles, minor victories, and quiet despair -hallmarks of impactful art cinema that aim to evoke empathy rather than thrill.

The screenplay complements this storytelling approach, carefully crafting each moment to let audiences experience both the heaviness and fleeting joys of the protagonist' life. This slower rhythm is the film's strength, allowing the narrative to resonate on a deeper level. However, the one noticeable flaw is Sharma's Bhojpuri accent, which seems unnecessary and occasionally detracts from the authenticity of his character.

Shahana Goswami, as his wife, shines throughout with a performance that is as natural as it is compelling, while Nandita Das's direction brings it all together with a restrained yet powerful hand, enhancing the film's realism and emotional gravity. Altogether, Zwigato emerges as a film of profound sensitivity and relevance-a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that challenges and engages on a human level.