A delightful mix of flavor, fatherhood, and food, this movie brings a fresh take on relationships with a dash of culinary adventure. Starring Saif Ali Khan, Padmapriya Janakiraman, and Svar Kamble, it’s set in the bustling streets of Kochi and Delhi, and travels across various parts of India. Directed by Raja Krishna Menon, the film is a blend of drama and comedy, based on the themes of family, passion, and rediscovery, capturing the journey of a chef rediscovering his roots and reconnecting with his son.
The story revolves around Roshan Kalra, a renowned chef working in the U.S. but facing a crisis in both his personal and professional life. Frustrated with the monotony and pressures of his career, Roshan decides to take a break and return to India, where he can spend time with his young son, Armaan, and ex-wife, Radha. This time back home allows Roshan to rediscover his passion for cooking in an entirely new way. Roshan and Armaan embark on an ambitious food truck project that becomes much more than a business venture, evolving into a path of self-discovery for Roshan and a bonding experience with Armaan. The story balances humor and emotions, focusing on Roshan’s struggles as a father and a chef, blending personal and professional realms in ways that keep audiences engaged.
Saif shines as Roshan Kalra, effectively portraying a character who is both charming and flawed. His performance captures the complexities of a man trying to rekindle his relationship with his son while grappling with his own life choices. Known for his versatility, Saif steps into the shoes of a culinary expert with a natural ease, making Roshan’s internal and external conflicts believable. Saif’s scenes with Svar Kamble, who plays his son Armaan, feel authentic and heartwarming, particularly in moments where Roshan tries to understand the young boy’s world. Svar’s performance is a highlight as well; he brings innocence and curiosity to the character, complementing Saif’s portrayal with subtle but impactful expressions. Padmapriya as Radha brings depth to her role, balancing warmth and pragmatism as a mother and former partner to Roshan, making their dynamic a key part of the story’s emotional depth.
Raja Krishna Menon’s direction deserves appreciation for its subtlety and insight. Menon takes a simple, heartfelt story and elevates it by giving each character space to develop, making the relationships feel genuine. His treatment of Roshan’s character, who is in many ways a typical but relatable father, is sensitive and nuanced, never drifting into overt sentimentality. Menon allows the father-son bond to grow organically, using their shared passion for food as a means to bridge their differences. By grounding the story in everyday situations and infusing humor, he avoids the melodrama often associated with Bollywood dramas, delivering a refreshingly relatable narrative.
The cinematography by Priya Seth is visually pleasing, capturing the vibrancy of India’s food culture with warm, inviting shots. Scenes set in Kochi showcase its coastal beauty, while those in Delhi reflect the city’s dynamic energy, creating a visual journey that complements the storyline. The shots inside the food truck, where Roshan and Armaan experiment with recipes, are especially engaging and add to the authenticity of the culinary theme. Food is almost a character in itself, and Seth’s close-up shots of spices, dishes, and cooking techniques capture the artistry of cooking, making it tempting for viewers.
The music by Raghu Dixit beautifully complements the film’s tone, with songs that blend folk and contemporary sounds to reflect Roshan’s journey. The soundtrack includes catchy numbers like “Shugal Laga Le,” which brings an upbeat vibe that matches the father-son’s road trip adventure. The music is light-hearted, flowing seamlessly into the narrative, especially during scenes where Roshan rediscovers his culinary skills. Background scores are subtle but effective, enhancing the mood without distracting from the dialogues or character moments.
The film’s screenplay, co-written by Menon, provides moments of humor, warmth, and introspection. Dialogues between Roshan and Armaan are peppered with wit, capturing the father-son dynamic with honesty. The screenplay’s pacing is steady, though it could have delved a bit deeper into Roshan’s backstory or his initial struggles in the U.S. to add more depth to his character’s transition. However, it effectively highlights the importance of balancing personal happiness with professional ambition, making Roshan’s journey feel relatable.
One of the film’s strongest elements is its focus on character-driven storytelling over grand drama or exaggerated twists. The relationships are realistic and evolve naturally, reflecting the importance of empathy, communication, and understanding in family bonds. The decision to center the story around a food truck is also refreshing, as it gives Roshan’s passion for cooking a relatable and flexible setting, contrasting his rigid career in the U.S. with a more liberating and creative environment. This shift serves as a metaphor for Roshan’s personal growth, highlighting the theme of rediscovery.
This film is a heartwarming watch that balances comedy and emotion without losing sight of its themes. It’s an authentic take on modern family relationships, showing how passion and connection can help bridge the gap between generations. Saif’s grounded performance and Menon’s sensitive direction make it a worthwhile experience. For anyone looking for a slice-of-life film that offers a blend of lightheartedness and reflection, this film is a delightful recommendation.
