Every once in a while, a film comes along that’s lighthearted yet heartfelt, offering a warm reminder of family, dreams, and identity. Maska, a Netflix release directed by Neeraj Udhwani, is one such film. Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s iconic Parsi cafés, it stars Manisha Koirala, Prit Kamani, Shirley Setia, and Nikita Dutta in a delightful coming-of-age story that blends themes of tradition, ambition, and self-discovery. The film takes place in present-day Mumbai, with its vibrant, multicultural energy, and falls into the slice-of-life dramedy genre, offering a mix of humor, family dynamics, and personal growth.
The plot revolves around Rumi Irani, a young, aimless Parsi boy raised in a family that runs an age-old Irani café called Rustom Café. Rumi, however, is more interested in becoming an actor than continuing his family’s café legacy. His mother, Diana Irani, played by Manisha Koirala, is the matriarch who fiercely holds onto the café’s traditions and hopes that Rumi will take over the family business. But Rumi’s dreams of stardom push him further from the café and his mother’s expectations, leading him to encounter two women, Mallika and Persis, each of whom represents different choices for his future. The story follows Rumi’s journey as he grapples with his identity, ambition, and familial obligations, trying to balance his desire for fame with the weight of his heritage.
One of the standout aspects of the film is Manisha Koirala’s performance as Diana, a character filled with warmth, yet tinged with sadness and a fierce determination. Manisha brings a layered performance that beautifully conveys Diana’s struggles as a mother trying to hold onto her past while grappling with her son’s modern dreams. Her comic timing is impeccable, adding a gentle humor to the film’s emotional core. Diana’s love for Rustom Café is palpable, and you can sense her desperation as she watches her son’s growing disinterest. On the other hand, Prit Kamani, who plays Rumi, brings a fresh, youthful energy to the role. His portrayal of Rumi, a confused young adult torn between his dreams of becoming a star and his responsibilities toward his family, feels authentic and relatable. Kamani nails the boy-next-door vibe, but his emotional depth shines as Rumi’s journey unfolds.
The direction by Neeraj Udhwani is subtle but effective. Instead of opting for dramatic highs, the film takes a gentler, more reflective approach, making it less of an intense drama and more of a breezy, feel-good watch. Udhwani uses the Parsi community as a charming setting, painting their lifestyle and quirks in a lighthearted and respectful manner. He strikes a balance between comedy and sentimentality, which ensures that the film doesn’t fall into melodrama. However, while the overall tone works, the pacing can feel slow in parts, particularly in the middle section where Rumi’s internal conflict drags on without much progression.
Another highlight is the cinematography by Eeshit Narain. The film is visually rich, and the camera captures Mumbai’s café culture beautifully, giving the city a nostalgic, almost dreamlike feel. The interiors of Rustom Café, with its old-world charm, wooden furniture, and vintage posters, transport you back in time and evoke a sense of longing for a simpler era. The use of natural light and the soft color palette work well to give the film a warm, cozy aesthetic. It’s these small details in the cinematography that make Maska feel personal, as if you’re stepping into someone’s memories.
Musically, the soundtrack by Mikey McCleary complements the film’s light-hearted nature. The music doesn’t overpower the narrative but subtly enhances the mood. Songs like “Rumi” and “Buddhu Sa Mann” are gentle and playful, reflecting Rumi’s youthful spirit and the whimsical tone of the film. The background score is more subdued, supporting the emotional beats without being intrusive. The music fits well within the film’s larger context of nostalgia, dreams, and family ties, contributing to the overall atmosphere of warmth.
One of the film’s key themes is the clash between tradition and modernity. Rumi’s struggle to choose between taking over the family business or pursuing his dream of acting symbolizes a generational conflict many young people face. The café, with its rich history and importance to the Irani family, represents the weight of tradition, while Rumi’s aspirations reflect the desire to break free and carve out his own identity. This tension is further heightened by the two women in Rumi’s life—Persis, who supports his café’s legacy, and Mallika, who pushes him toward his acting career. This thematic contrast is explored well throughout the film, though it occasionally feels like the movie hesitates to delve too deeply into these conflicts.
Another notable aspect is the film’s portrayal of the Parsi community, which is often underrepresented in mainstream Indian cinema. Maska lovingly depicts the quirks and customs of this small but vibrant community, making it a delightful window into a slice of Mumbai’s cultural fabric. The film doesn’t rely on stereotypes but instead celebrates the eccentricities and warmth of Parsi culture, especially through Diana’s character and her dedication to preserving Rustom Café.
While the film is charming, it does have its flaws. The narrative sometimes feels predictable, and the emotional beats don’t always land as powerfully as they could. The second half, in particular, lacks the momentum needed to drive the story toward its conclusion, and some characters, like Mallika, feel underdeveloped. The film also lightly touches upon Rumi’s internal struggle without fully exploring his emotional transformation. This leaves the viewer wanting more depth, especially given the rich emotional potential the story holds.
In conclusion, Maska is a warm, nostalgic film that offers a light, enjoyable watch with a strong emotional undertone. The performances, especially by Manisha and Prit, are commendable, and the film’s exploration of family, tradition, and self-identity is relatable to a wide audience. Though the film falters in pacing and doesn’t delve as deep into Rumi’s conflicts as it could have, it still manages to leave a lasting impression with its heartwarming portrayal of family ties and the importance of staying true to oneself.
For those who enjoy coming-of-age dramas with a touch of nostalgia and humor, Maska is definitely worth a watch. It’s not a heavy or life-changing film, but it’s a pleasant, comforting one—perfect for a lazy afternoon when you want something light yet emotionally engaging. The film reminds us that sometimes, in the pursuit of our dreams, we must remember where we come from, and that the bonds of family and tradition are just as important as the ambitions we chase.
