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).
