Tumhari Sulu is a nice simple sweet movie. You can watch it with the family. On second thoughts, I will definitely want couples to watch the movie. It has those strong moments of happiness understanding and confused emotions that make the married life what it is. Do watch it.
It has excellent performances by the talent cast lead by Vidya Balan (Sulochana – Sulu) as the middle-income homemaker with a ‘Can Do’ attitude. It revolves around her wanting to do something in her life. She has a list of hobbies that can fill pages.
Neha Dhupia has always been under-estimated, and she plays her role as the radio station boss perfectly. A lot of credit should go to Manav Kaul, playing the role of Sulu’s caring husband and father who is cramped in a job but is always dreamed of better life. Maliskha Mendonsa, the real-life RJ with, plays RJ Albeli Anjali at WOW Radio and has suitably impressed audience with her short role. Vijay Maurya is a fire band poet and revolutionary. His act as a programme producer is a hit. The transition in him through the movie is worth appreciating.
Let me get back to TUMHARI SULU, the character played by Vidya Balan. So, Sulu visits Wow Radio as the winner of a contest to collect a pressure cooker that could be a good gift in next family function. Here she sees a poster of ‘search for an RJ’. Her ‘Can Do’ attitude kicks in, and she would also want to try her hand in being an RJ.
Her relentless frustrating push for it and her attempts are the smartest sweet part of the TUMHARI SULU. But then I don’t think there was a story in it for another 50 minutes. So, the film suddenly takes on a more situation-driven moralistic turn. The protagonist is made to question work-life balance and responsibility of a parent (more so mother) towards their child.
Finally, like most of Indian films, it again finds a solution with suggestions from the lead cast- and then everyone is happy. You leave the theatre with s a smile on your lips. A GLIMPSE OF THE FILM.
Does the film do justice to Radio as a medium and its understanding in audience?
So what does a common viewer takes out of the film. And not all is goof for the media. To compile this, I am banking on conversation with family, friends and few representatives of the highly vocal young generations.
RADIO
- It is a great place to work for. People are overall nice. The ambience is energetic and vibrant.
- The organisation is responsible and alive to the needs of employees.
- Late-night workers get pick-up and drop facility.
- You have parties to celebrate success. People are friendly.
- Anyone can be an RJ. Being an RJ is very easy. Sit before a mike, play songs and chat with people. It got nothing to do with the education.
- There is a role called producer of the programme who always sits in your studio and keeps raising suggestions on a white board.
- People have stereotypes and they have their own set of reservations, understanding and expectation. People see the actor and the RJ in light of their performances.
- Jobs are like ‘Kal sey kaam par aa jana’. Station HR is not interested in any contractual obligations, and station head will allow a successful RJ slot to leave without much care.
- Radio listeners are not from the upper segment of the society. They are more loners, perverts, and emotionally drained or clamped for expression.
- You must visit radio station to collect your prize.
- Radio stations also create jingles and ads for their clients. It is about putting words into phrases.
- It is NOT OK to shout on the face of clients. They are the business or revenue providers. You can’t insult them, their intelligence and intentions. However, if you do so and create a scene at the office, saying sorry and promise of mending broken bridges can still help you to get your job back.
- Nepotism is part of business. Being good friends with people in places of power and influence can get you a job. I don’t think that is a revelation in our life.
Beyond Radio:
- The new generation must be watched and properly guided.
- Raising a child, installing sanskar is a joint role of both the parents. However, it’s ok for us to expect just that bit more from the mother.
- Family is family and will be with you in need of crisis. At the same time, it is for you to check and realise if they are having a positive or a negative impact on you.
- You need to take your own decisions and not be pulled down by unsolicited criticism of your dreams and action.
- Indian married men are still unable to adjust to a working wife and her ambitions.
- A bit of quirkiness and kinkiness can spice up married life.
Life-Enhancing Inferences:
It’s your life. You are responsible for what you do with your life. It’s you who has to define and nurture your ‘Brand-i’. Every action is strengthening, weakening or creating new perceptions about you. Life is a maze and has its own ups and downs. Be happy and grateful for what you have. Be positive.
Have the right attitude. Believe in yourself. Look out and its your job to identify opportunities.
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