Brahman Naman

"Brahman Naman" is a coming-of-age comedy directed by Qaushiq Mukherjee, commonly known as Q. Released in 2016, the film presents a refreshing take on teenage angst, sexuality, and cultural identity set against the backdrop of a quizzing competition in 1980s India.

Plot and Execution:

The film follows the misadventures of Naman, a socially awkward, brilliant quizzing champion played by Shashank Arora, and his two friends, Ajay (Tanmay Dhanania) and Ramu (Chaitanya Varad). Together, they navigate the complexities of adolescence, raging hormones, and their quest to win the all-India quiz championship.

Strengths:

Humor and Satire:

"Brahman Naman" excels in its sharp wit and irreverent humor. Q's direction infuses the narrative with biting satire and comic situations, offering a humorous yet poignant exploration of teenage insecurities and desires.

Cultural Commentary:

The film provides a candid commentary on the societal norms and conservative attitudes prevalent in 1980s India, particularly concerning sex and relationships. It juxtaposes the characters' academic prowess with their awkwardness in social interactions, highlighting the clash between tradition and modernity.

Character Dynamics:

The chemistry among the central trio-Naman, Ajay, and Ramu-is palpable and drives much of the film's narrative charm. Their banter, camaraderie, and individual quirks add depth to their characters, making them relatable and endearing to the audience.

Period Aesthetics:

Q's attention to detail in recreating the 1980s era is commendable. The film captures the nostalgia of that time through its costumes, music, and cultural references, enhancing the authenticity of the setting and adding to the film's nostalgic appeal.

Weaknesses:

Pacing and Narrative Focus: While the film is rich in humor and character-driven moments, some viewers may find the pacing uneven, especially in the second half. Certain subplots could have been further developed to maintain narrative momentum and coherence.

Conclusion:

"Brahman Naman" is a delightful coming-of-age comedy that cleverly blends humor, satire, and cultural commentary. Qaushiq Mukherjee's direction, coupled with strong performances from the cast, delivers a film that not only entertains but also offers insightful reflections on youth, identity, and societal expectations.

The film's irreverent humor and sharp wit make it a standout in the genre of Indian indie cinema. It challenges conventions while celebrating the awkwardness and complexities of adolescence, ultimately resonating with audiences who appreciate its candid portrayal of teenage life in a rapidly changing society.

Overall, "Brahman Naman" is a must-watch for its unique storytelling, memorable characters, and its ability to capture the essence of youthful rebellion and self-discovery. It remains a testament to Q's distinctive filmmaking style and his knack for blending humor with social critique, making it a rewarding cinematic experience.

Okay. So I watched this movie last night. I'm not sure what naysayers have against it, but I would most certainly recommend it to someone who's grown up in India. Even more so to someone who's been a 70s or 80s child. And really really very much to someone who's into trivia. And lastly to anyone who's been a young man in this country, wondering how to get the girls :)

That being said, I'll list out some of the things that I loved about the movie --- 1) Look and feel: The movie has been shot remarkably well. The credits, the sets, the production.. it's all classy. Very nicely done. 2) The 80s feels: I do not know what the India of the 80s was like, but I was struck by how nicely they've tried to live true to the movie's setting. There were certainly things that I could relate to, having seen small town India in the 90s :) 3) Narrative, Editing & Direction: I cannot recall a single dull moment in the movie. The narrative grasps you right from the outset and does not let go till the end.

A piece of crap...thats what Brahman Naman is. To make things clear i m not a Brahman so pls do not judge me. But i understand making a comedy on say any other religion wud be inviting trouble...so good old Hindus to the rescue again. The man (Q) is so damn scared that the one Muslim character he introduced (train girl) remained in a headscarf even though her hindu GF's immediately dived in to shorts!!! cumon man get some BALLS. Except for the fan sequence nothing tickled my funny bone. If i wanted to listen to Shakespeare i wud have seen a play or attended some book reading by naseeruddin shah. I guess "Q" wants to show us how smart he is by quoting Shakespeare. No buddy..."no comprendo" :).... films can be entertaining or educative OR both....alas brahman naman is only what most films are these days....CRAPPPPPP

Brahman Naman starts of extremely well. Set in 80s Bangalore and being a Bangalorean all my life I enjoyed the setting, its about Naman and his gang of friends who are all into quizzing but are equally sex crazy and want to lose their virginity at the earliest. This leads them into some hilarious situations and some badly failed attempts.

Its a great idea on paper and could have been the Indian geeky version of American Pie but somehow Mukerjee (the director) and Ramachandran (the writer) don't know which tone to keep the film moving.

The movie does become a serious affair in the last half hour when Naman and his friends start looking for love and sex together which made me confused. Frankly, the comedy was so good that didn't require them to take such a serious turn. The rule is simple folks - Sex comedies should never become serious, keep it simple and light.

If you are a quizzer like me you will love this film because there is so much quizzing here. I loved the idea of the director putting a question to audience between the film. There is a lot of Shakespearean English here , so don't get lost. And if you are a Kannadiga Brahmin or want to see a Brahmin way of living, this movie is decent watch.

The performances are top notch. Shashank Arora is an actor to watch out for. He is extremely good as Naman the sex crazy quizzer who objectifies women, is very selfish and thinks he is some hero but actually is coward. Its not easy to portray such a character. His partner in crime is Tamanay and they share a nice chemistry on screen. The rest of the cast does a nice job.

Overall, its a confusing film and watch it if you love sex comedies and quizzing.

This is the Indian version of the teen genre films like "American Pie". It tries too hard to be quirky by using very unique looking actors and odd camera angles. The script shows the results of 300 years of brainwashing by the British Raj. Although it does represent a new thrust by young film makers on the subcontinent, this really would have limited appeal to Indians, not wide global appeal.