Muramba review: This pickle leaves behind a sweet taste

The generation gap between parents and their children is one of the glaring issues in today’s times among urban families. The gap is more visible in matters of love, relationships and marriage. Yet, there have hardly been too many films exploring this theme in a mature and realistic manner. 

Varun Narvekar’s Muramba not only does that, but also succeeds in keeping the mood light and entertaining. After Ti Sadhya Kay Karte, we finally have a Marathi film in 2017 which provides complete satisfaction. 

Muramba revolves around Alok (Amey Wagh) and Indrayani aka Indu (Mithila Palkar) in Pune. They are childhood friends. They get close to each other while doing their MBA. They enter into a relationship and finally decide to get married. The parents on both sides, too, are happy with the union. Unfortunately, all does not go well with Alok and Indu and they break up. 

Alok shares the news with his parents (Sachin Khedekar and Chinmayee Sumeet), who are taken aback. His mother believes this is just a normal fight that keeps happening between couples. Alok tries explaining the meaning of break-up to her. But being a traditional woman, she doesn’t understand.

Similarly, he struggles to explain the reason for the split to his parents. Alok's parents try making peace between him and Indu. But will the two ever be together again? 

Muramba is narrated through a collection of normal, realistic conversations with a limited number of characters (the setting is also ideal for a play) and hardly any melodrama. In other words, it has simplicity written all over. The dialogues, especially, are triumphant here. Despite being utterly realistic, the lines produce continuous rib-ticking moments. Alok’s talks with his parents throughout the film deserve special mention. 

But in these simple, realistic moments, the narration takes us by surprise later on. The audience keeps believing it knows all until we are told the importance of knowing both sides of a story. And this aspect is brought out in a gradual, smooth-flowing manner. 

When almost the entire film takes place indoors, it doesn’t give much scope fo the cinematographer. But this doesn’t stop Milind Jog from showing his skills. Just like the mood of the film, the background score is simple yet effective. Some peppy sounds work well in creating humour. 

The only point that goes in the negative zone is the simplistic and tried-and-tested climax. As the entire film has been treated so realistically, one hoped for a similar approach in the end. Yet, this flaw isn't enough to stop you from leaving the hall satisfied. 

The casting is perfect. Amey Wagh brings the character of a confused, vulnerable young man alive. Those who have seen him previously must have noticed the undercurrent of comedy in his dialogue delivery. This is more noticeable here and it was needed, too. Mithila Palkar is an internet sensation and her debut proves why. She is a natural performer who should enjoy a long career. 

Sachin Khedekar gets a meaty role and makes the most of it. His class is seen throughout, which makes him a delight every time he appears on screen. Like Wagh, Chinmayee Sumeet also brings seriousness and humour to her role simultaneously. The artistes playing Indu’s parents leave a mark in a cameo. 

Overall, Muramba builds a bridge between the younger and older generations. This goes not only for the characters in the film but also for the audience. A family movie generally leaves youngsters sour-mouthed. But this is a film which satisfies both age groups.

Reviewed by Keyur Seta