Aachar & Co

WARNING: Beware - The movie has no fighting, Romance, sex, Villain, nudity. It is a pure family entertainer. You can sit with your granny, daughter and watch it, laugh and enjoy the movie. It is a feel good movie.

It is coming of age of the siblings of a middle class, traditional joint family of the 1960s Bangalore. How they manage to face adverse situations and find a way out. The script avoids all possible melodramas and takes forward the story in a light hearted manner. The dialogues are very refreshing, two songs are very popular and picturised very well. Sindhu Sreenivasamurthy in her first attempt as Director/Writer/Actor has done a marvelous job. Ably supported by all the new actors like Anirudh, and seasoned Ashok and Sudha Belavadi. The cinematography by Abhimanyu is excellent, so also Music by Bindu Malini. Trilok as lyricist and dialogue writer has won the hearts.

After a long time Kannada Film Industry has got a good clean family film. PRK productions and Ashwini Puneet also deserves congratulations for believing in new comers. It has paid rich dividend.

Overall the movie is too good and deserves support from the audience. The director, as for as I know, is the youngest Actor/Writer/Director in the Indian cinema.

This has a fairytale-like quality to it, be it in the storytelling style or the frames. Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, whom I recall seeing in 2020's French Biriyani, showcases her love for everything retro and takes us back to '60s & '70s Bangalore, when it carried the vibe of an aesthetically pleasing hill station, while also being a bustling city. It talks of an era where interpersonal relationships (and togetherness), especially between siblings and family members, held utmost importance. The visuals have an inherently vintage beauty to them, and this is majorly the case in interior shots where you get to feast your eyes on intricate household items, decor, and delicious-looking food.

From a plot perspective, Aachar & Co takes us through the journey of ten siblings and their process of dealing with life as part of an orthodox household in Bangalore. I'm guessing the greatest challenge would've been to find real locations to depict the city in those times. The art department has (mostly) done a fine job, and only in very few shots did I feel a momentary jump to the modern day. Casting less-known faces in primary roles also helps establish a faster connection with their characters. In many ways, the writing celebrates the resilience of its women characters, trying to break gender stereotypes, and it is evident in the way Suma gradually (and organically) evolves into the film's protagonist.

Music is also a key ingredient here. Right from the altered version of Suprabhatam in the very beginning, the music underlines both the funny and the emotional scenes. The "Pickle Song" inventively uses kitchen utensils to create a truly unique sound. Some narrative choices did baffle me a little, like the elder brother's absence, especially in the second half, and the film chooses to go for a supremely optimistic finale where all is well. But I fully felt the warmth of being in the Aachar household and would've loved to be a silent member who gets to feast on all the snacks from that locked shelf. I'm really excited to see what Sindhu Srinivasa Murthy does next!

Defying societal conventions, the shift from patriarchy to matriarchy unfolds gradually over the years. The film is a masterpiece, with its impeccable direction, screenplay, and dialogue leaving a lasting impression. It effortlessly blends realism, humor, and poignant moments, making it a must-watch for everyone, including Kannada-speaking audiences. Notably, it guarantees both entertainment and a powerful social message, and you won't even notice that it features debut actors. This is a movie you cannot afford to miss. The direction is exceptional, the performances are top-notch, and the humor is on point. The film's portrayal of 1900s Bangalore is simply enchanting, making it a perfect choice for a weekend drama outing.

Family entertainer has a lot of giggleworthy earthy Bengaluru feeling. This is a movie to be watched with the parents as almost every 50+ member will have a similar experience to narrate.

Primary characters have been well etched out by the writers. The movie does NOT have crass, double meaning content. Director lets slip a lot of moments where she could have made you shed a tear but intentionally so. Showing emotions without drama is something Indian directors have pick up and this director has excellent control over the craft. This does great good to the mood of the film.

Technically cinematography, art, costume and make-up work have done a great job given the constraints of the budget. The subtle ageing of characters is well captured. The music binds the movie very well. Bindumalini's OST and Songs are too good. It is time that we get to hear her more frequently. Her work elevates the humour. It is a pity that we no longer get to buy CDs of such good work. All the actors have done great justice to the roles but Anirudh Acharya stands out as Senior Jaggu (equal credit to actor and writer here). He has been able to carry wit and goofiness with great ease.

The casting is perfect. You would be able to relate the faces and compare them with wedding albums of your parents/grand parents.

As director, Writer and protoganist - Sindhu has come out a winner in all her responsibilities. The movie is short as per Indian norms. The viewers left the hall thinking aloud that the it could have been a bit longer. A compliment to the editor and such a welcome change to Indian Cinema.

I would recommend this movie to be watched in the big screen along with every senior citizen in the family. I can assure you the weekend following, you would end up having long calls discussing the movie and past generations.

Breaking the norms, the transition of goes from patriarchy to matriarchy as the years pass on. Beautifully made, direction, screenplay and scripts are memorable. Realistic, hilarious and heart touching - a perfect movie to be watched by all including kannadigas. Entertainment is guaranteed along with social message , never feels like movie is casted by debut actors . It's a never miss movie, don't wait till the movie streams online rather take your fam and hit the theatres. Amazing direction, great acting and funny . The recreation of 1900s Bangalore is wonderful. A good drama for the weekend.