For its fresh and real take on friendship, this film reminds of 'Dil Chahta Hai' but in a startup backdrop. And that is the mainstay of Upstarts as well.
The story is about three friends strongly aiming to give a shot at startup - the sentiment presently prevalent in the country. Eventually the plot gets predictable with ethical corruption seeping in the mind of the lead protagonist due to which he gains position but loses pals. What keeps the film still going is how persuasively it captures the startup world. Where it falters however is that it is not as entertaining, wacky or gripping as TVF's 'Pitchers' was!
Director Udai Singh Pawar's strong point is his ability to handle drama between the friends so deftly and never letting it go to melodrama. There are moments when the film could have easily gone overtly dramatic but it refrains and captures each such confrontation as if it came from pages of real life.
Performances by the lead cast are laudable - Priyanshu particularly is too good as the central character ably supported by Chandrachoor Rai and Shadab Kamal, who remains level-headed throughout. Rajeev Siddhartha as the character with grey shades is nuanced.
The basic premise couldn't have been more relevant. But at the same time the plot gets pretty predictable. However like it's underlying message, the film has its heart in the right place - and that's what works in its favour!
