A Grumpy Ole Bollywood story showing happy families starting on a positive note, followed by a tragedy being finally resolved in the climax is so prevalent since generations that we believe this is the story of every Indian family, the irony being: this is the story of every other family, not ours.
Shakun Batra's Kapoor & Sons Since 1921 kills this myth and tells the story that is more ours than anyone else's. Kapoor & Sons is a story of a dysfunctional family living in the hills of Coonoor. A financially struggling Harsh Kapoor(Rajat Kapoor) living in a house with an unhappy wife Sunita(Ratna Pathak Shah) and heart patient but larger-than- life father(Rishi Kapoor) whose last wish is to have a full family photo being framed before his death.
Harsh and Sunita have two sons: Rahul(Fawad Khan), the elder and perfect son who is a successful writer settled in UK and Arjun(Siddharth Malhotra), the younger son struggling on his own novel and surviving by doing different jobs in the States.Both Rahul and Arjun arrive home after learning that their Dadu has suffered from a cardiac arrest. This is where they both meet and become involved with the same girl Tia(Alia Bhatt), a freelancer taking care of an ancient property in the town and looking to sell it.
The movie moves at a subtle pace giving us some beautiful and light moments until a moment when a web of secrets slowly start to unravel including a lie that threatens to tear the family apart. It gives you a feel-good vibe while keeping you attached with every character all through and giving a healthy dose of laughter induced frequently by the modern-age porn-loving Dadu and his antics.
The performances of the whole cast are admirable. Rajat Kapoor as a man under the pressure of obligation to his family but unappreciated for his efforts is excellent. Ratna Pathak Shah as a faithful wife living in a burdened marriage and a proud mother is exemplary. Rishi Kapoor with his sarcastic one-liners is lovable. His interactions with his grandsons regarding porn is a treat to watch. Alia Bhatt is bubbly and beautiful at the same time. Siddarth Malhotra is the weakest link in the movie unable to transform himself from a cheated yet moved-on teenager to a distraught adult is unconvincing. But it is Fawad Khan who delivers a masterclass and holds the movie together as Rahul, the not-so-perfect son showing why he is a celebrated actor in Pakistan. Sukant Goel as Wasim also deserves a mention.
The only flaw in the movie is the unraveling of the mysteries that you are confused, who is to blame and who is to be sympathized.
All in all a decent byproduct by Shakun Batra who after his 'Ekk Main Aur Ekk Tu' has made a mark with his mature narratives. The movie delivers a beautiful message that even if there are problems, one should never abandon his family.
