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.

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.

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).

Its an average neighbourhood family and deals with issues that most people have but never acknowledge. Whats good is that its not so predictable and tells one how to move on in the journey of life. Everyday and each person in our lives is how we want to make it, but then who takes care of my wishes ? So even if you detour from the usual to try your life in the wrong lane, its not easy unless you are used to driving on the wrong side of life. There is a reason why life is the way it is...and just trying unusual things wont spice it up.. Also exposes how in a relationship, one person accommodates the other..which one are you in your life...watch and find out !

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