M Cream review: Loses its high after impressive first half

Film: M Cream (A)
Rating: 2/5

Debutant director Agneya Singh’s M Cream has been in the news in recent times following reports of it being India's first stoner film. So, before watching the film, there is a lot of curiosity whether it succeeds in its bold attempt. But after watching it, the question becomes quite irrelevant.

The story revolves around four friends. Figs (Imaad Shah) is happy in his own world of drugs and alcohol. He has a cynical attitude to the issues faced by society. His friends, Niz (Raaghav Chanana), a professional photographer, and Maggie (Auritra Ghosh) are in a relationship. Figs meets the righteous idealist Jay (Ira Dubey) at a party. They instantly develop a hatred for each other due to their different mindsets.

Jay decides to go to the interiors of the Himalayas for her social research. Niz needs to accompany her to help with pictures. Maggie, too, joins them. As Figs comes to know that the region can provide M Cream, a mythical form of hash, he, too, happily joins the gang. Hence, the road trip begins. Little do they know that the trip will bring out a major turning point in their lives. 

The film convincingly introduces the audience to a world not many would be aware of, in a raw and real manner. It might possibly give a culture shock to a section of the Indian audience, which is a plus point. But the biggest achievement as far as the first half is concerned is a smart and creative way of developing the story and defining characters with varied psyches. All in all, it ensures you look forward to the post-interval portion.

But you soon realise that the film suffers from the second-half syndrome. The reason is simple – the main subject is abandoned after the interval. While you are curious to know about the foursome's adventure to find M Cream, you realise that the topic finds no place in the narrative (it is not possible here to reveal more to avoid spoilers). But even if you somehow ignore this aspect and try to concentrate on the novel issue, you are left unimpressed since there is a lack of conviction. 

Coming to the technical aspects, the film lives up to the new-age theme. Mingjue Hu, the director of photography from China, gets a lot of opportunity to show his cinematographic skills and earnestly latches on to the chance. The Himalayan locales appear breathtaking. A long one-take scene at the start deserves special mention. The soulful background score goes well with the various moods of the narrative. The songs, used in the background, just reach the above-average level. 

The performances fall in the decent to good level. Imaad Shah fits in the skin of a stoned guy. His expressions could have been better though. Ira Dubey shows maturity while playing a serious character. Raaghav Chanana is impressive in a role that is short in duration. He deserves to be seen more. In the role of his hot-headed girlfriend, Auritra Ghosh does a decent job. 

Barry John is a pleasant surprise. He is convincing as the head of a hippie group. Beatrice Ordeix, as the French journalist-turned-revolutionary, too puts in a good effort. Tom Alter is memorable in a cameo. 

Overall, though, M Cream goes downhill after the positive first half. With low hype and the craze for Rajinikanth’s Kabali, the film stands no chance to earn decent numbers.

Director: Agneya Singh
Producers: Agniputra Films
Writer: Agneya Singh
Cast: Imaad Shah, Ira Dubey, Raaghav Chanana, Auritra Ghosh, Barry John, Beatrice Ordeix
Music: Srijan Mahajan, Nikhil Malik and Arsh Sharma
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 114 minutes