With a playful blend of drama and comedy, Nautanki Saala! brings a refreshingly unique flavor to Bollywood with its quirky plot and engaging performances. Directed by Rohan Sippy and starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Kunaal Roy Kapur in leading roles, this film is a quirky dark comedy set against the vibrant theater scene in Mumbai. The movie revolves around the chaos of life, relationships, and the unexpected ways we end up in someone else’s drama, both literally and figuratively. The story, infused with humor and emotion, explores the messiness of human connections while celebrating the “nautanki” (drama) that life often turns into.
The plot follows Ram Parmar, or “RP” (played by Ayushmann), a talented theater actor and director known for his role in a modern play adaptation of Raavanleela. RP’s life takes a turn when he saves a suicidal stranger, Mandar Lele (Kunaal Roy Kapur), and decides to help him get back on his feet. The kindhearted RP takes Mandar under his wing, leading to a series of hilarious misadventures as he becomes entangled in Mandar’s personal affairs, including his unresolved feelings for his ex-girlfriend Nandini (Pooja Salvi). As RP’s life begins mirroring the chaos of his stage persona, the line between theater and reality blurs. What starts as a selfless act of kindness quickly spirals into a complicated web of misunderstandings and emotional turmoil, testing RP’s patience and putting his own relationships on the line.
One of the standout aspects of Nautanki Saala! is its clever writing, which strikes a balance between humor and depth without losing sight of its central theme. The film’s screenplay, co-written by Nipun Dharmadhikari, is full of witty dialogues that not only keep the audience laughing but also reveal a lot about each character’s insecurities and quirks. Ayushmann’s RP, for instance, is a character with depth, dealing with his own issues while taking on Mandar’s problems as if they were his own. The dialogue brings out his dry wit and his frustration, and it’s balanced by the often oblivious, straightforward comments from Mandar. The writing also employs theatrical metaphors effectively, using RP’s role as Raavan as a parallel to the complexity of his own emotions. There’s a distinct charm to how the script plays with words and situations, often using humor as a way to probe deeper into life’s absurdities.
The film’s music, with tracks composed by Mikey McCleary and Anand Milind, adds an additional layer of charm, enhancing the emotional undertones of the narrative. The popular song “Saadi Galli Aaja,” sung by Ayushmann himself, perfectly captures the breezy yet heartfelt spirit of the film. The soundtrack consists of mellow, acoustic pieces, interwoven with soft, reflective lyrics, which complement the film’s theme of love, confusion, and mischief. The music isn’t just filler; it plays an integral role in establishing the film’s mood and connecting with the audience on an emotional level. Tracks like “Mera Mann” and “Draamebaaz” feel like extensions of RP’s journey, mirroring his transition from bemused bystander to a man caught in his own “nautanki.”
Ayushmann Khurrana shines in the role of RP, delivering a performance that is both grounded and expressive. Known for his ability to balance humor with emotion, Ayushmann brings an authenticity to RP, portraying him as an empathetic yet flawed character who tries to play the hero both on and off the stage. He effortlessly captures RP’s frustration and empathy, delivering comedic lines with a subtlety that avoids exaggeration. Kunaal Roy Kapur as Mandar is the perfect foil to Ayushmann’s RP, bringing a quirky, often naïve vulnerability to the role. His portrayal of a heartbroken, socially awkward character is relatable and humorous, and his chemistry with Ayushmann feels genuine, creating a dynamic that’s both entertaining and emotionally engaging. Their camaraderie is the heart of the film, and they play off each other’s comedic timing brilliantly, grounding the film’s absurdities in authentic friendship.
Rohan Sippy’s direction skillfully balances the film’s theatrical elements with a real-world narrative. By using the theater setting as both a physical and metaphorical backdrop, Sippy creates an interesting interplay between performance and reality, cleverly allowing RP’s professional and personal lives to intersect in unexpected ways. Sippy brings a breezy touch to the film, yet he doesn’t shy away from showing the chaos that arises when people’s lives become overly intertwined. He uses Mumbai’s dynamic cityscape as well as the confined theater space to enhance the story’s visual appeal, capturing RP’s inner conflict and escalating frustration. This mix of locations serves to show RP’s journey through different “acts” of his life, each escalating in complexity. The direction successfully brings out the absurdity of each situation without losing the emotional core of the story.
Visually, the film benefits from crisp cinematography by Manoj Lobo, who captures the vibrant colors of the stage with a warm, inviting palette that contrasts with the more subdued, real-life scenes. This visual dichotomy works to highlight the contrast between RP’s theatrical world and his personal life. The lighting in the theater sequences, with its strategic shadows and warm tones, adds a sense of intimacy to the scenes, drawing audiences into the characters’ inner lives. The cinematography is polished yet understated, keeping the focus on the characters and their experiences rather than relying on any overt stylistic choices. The film’s editing by Aarif Sheikh ensures a smooth pace, with quick transitions that maintain the film’s energy and prevent it from dragging in any particular section.
In terms of overall impact, Nautanki Saala! is a refreshing watch that brings together humor, emotion, and a unique storytelling style. The film, while not entirely groundbreaking, manages to carve its own niche by blending Bollywood comedy with the complexity of human relationships. It doesn’t fall back on slapstick or cheap humor; instead, it lets its characters and situations provide the laughs. The story, though simple, is elevated by strong performances, clever writing, and thoughtful direction. While some may find the film’s pace a tad slow in the middle, the movie ultimately delivers a satisfying, heartfelt experience.
Overall, Nautanki Saala! is an entertaining blend of comedy and drama that’s worth watching for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a humorous edge. The film is recommended for those looking for a Bollywood movie that diverges from formulaic romances and explores friendship, love, and life’s messy, often humorous twists and turns. With its relatable storyline, standout performances, and unique theatrical backdrop, Nautanki Saala! is a charming, endearing film that is sure to resonate with audiences who appreciate a good dose of “nautanki” in their lives.
