Sharmaji Namkeen - It's What's Cooking

 

Sharmaji Namkeen

2022, Hindi

 

Director - Hitesh Bhatia

 

Stars - Rishi Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Juhi Chawla, Suhail Nayyar, Isha Talwar, Satish Kaushik

 

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Above all else, Sharmaji Namkeen is a labor of love; an homage to the late great Rishi Kapoor, who passed during the making of this film.  In an unprecedented effort to complete the film, Mr. Rawal jumps in to fill in the gaps, attempting to play, with a little struggle, Mr. Kapoor playing Sharmaji.

 

History making though this is, the movie is a simple vignette.  It tells the story of Sharmaji, a middle class man struggling with depression after his employer forces him to retire.  He finds solace in his cooking, and eventually becomes adopted by a ladies club made up of charming middle aged lady, led by the always breezy Ms. Chawla.

 

Romance is suggested, but never actually comes to fruition.  For this movie is about healing and reconciliation, between a father and his sons, and a man, his memories and the present.

 

It is quirky, imaginative and fun film to watch.