Zwigato

This is exactly the movie to epitomize what a director can give us viewers a gift!

I have not been a fan of nandita das as a director, actor yes. This movie will very pleasantly eat my words. Again director is the key. Even an untrained nobody like me can work in your film since you are there.

I believe that KS is a still a soft mud earthen pot that you can still shape. He is very smart and he is the example what street smart means! He used it to his advantage and truly deserves what he has achieved!

ND: is a great eye for talent and how to work producers to fund the movie. Well ma'am I had a crush on you and still left my bias away from this review!

Great watch Ma'am!

Zwigato delivers a stark and poignant glimpse into the often-overlooked life of a delivery worker, capturing the relentlessness and vulnerability of the job with raw realism. Kapil Sharma, stepping away from his comedic roots, surprises with a nuanced and earnest portrayal that grounds the film's emotional depth. The story itself unfolds with an intentional pace, immersing viewers in the character's daily struggles, minor victories, and quiet despair -hallmarks of impactful art cinema that aim to evoke empathy rather than thrill.

The screenplay complements this storytelling approach, carefully crafting each moment to let audiences experience both the heaviness and fleeting joys of the protagonist' life. This slower rhythm is the film's strength, allowing the narrative to resonate on a deeper level. However, the one noticeable flaw is Sharma's Bhojpuri accent, which seems unnecessary and occasionally detracts from the authenticity of his character.

Shahana Goswami, as his wife, shines throughout with a performance that is as natural as it is compelling, while Nandita Das's direction brings it all together with a restrained yet powerful hand, enhancing the film's realism and emotional gravity. Altogether, Zwigato emerges as a film of profound sensitivity and relevance-a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that challenges and engages on a human level.

Life as a delivery partner is far from glamorous. It's a harsh reality that exposes the stark inequality and exploitation that exists in our society. Despite working long hours and taking on immense physical and mental strain, these workers often earn a meager wage that barely covers their basic needs.

The disparity between the wealthy and the working class is striking, with the former benefiting from the labor of the latter while offering little in return. Delivery partners are forced to navigate treacherous roads and face dangerous situations, all while being paid as little as 20 Rs for their services.

This exploitation is perpetuated by a system that prioritizes profits over people, with companies relying on underpaid workers to maximize their margins. The heartbreaking reality is that many of these workers are trapped in a cycle of poverty, unable to break free from the clutches of an unjust system.

It's time for society to acknowledge and address the systemic issues that contribute to the exploitation of delivery partners and other low-wage workers. Until we recognize the humanity of these workers and value their contributions, we cannot claim to live in a just and equitable society.

Nandita Das' latest directorial venture, Zwigato, is a movie that tells the story of a man who becomes a delivery boy to make ends meet after losing his job during the pandemic. Kapil Sharma's performance as the protagonist is remarkable, and he does an excellent job of portraying the struggles and hardships of a middle-class delivery boy.

The movie is a tribute to the working-class people who bear the burden of running our cities while dealing with an ongoing employment crisis, inflation, and social and gender justice. It is a silent recognition and request to respect and empathize with an invisible class of workers.

Shahana Goswami's portrayal of the silent support that women provide as equal pillars of a simple family is noteworthy, adding a layer of subtlety to the movie's message. The film is slow-paced, but it is in those slow mundane moments that we see how a working-class person battles and parallelly lives with complicated overarching issues of religion, class, and caste.

Zwigato is a movie that dwells on the positive side of contemporary cinema, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Kapil Sharma's performance is praiseworthy, and it is entirely different from his typical persona as a comedian. The emotions that he portrays are authentic and will leave a lasting impression on the viewer.

The beauty of this movie lies in its cinematography. The frames are raw in nature and showcase a realistic depiction of a delivery boy's life. The background music is melodic and could have been used more significantly.

However, the screenplay is the real culprit that cuts the score of the movie. It does not seem like a long story but many anecdotes joint together to serve an episodic type of content. Nevertheless, the subtle humor that is spread in these joints contributes the most in saving the flaws.

Overall, Zwigato is an emotional movie that touches the heart and soul of the viewer. It is a message in itself and will make the viewers realize how often they are rude and inhumane with these delivery persons who work hard but do not earn much. It is a must-watch for those who want to understand the life of a delivery boy and respect them for their hard work. I would rate this movie 7 out of 10, and I recommend it to everyone.

Nandita Das stunned me via Zwigato with two things. One, the beautiful way she has weaved topics of caste, unemployment, poor handling od pandemic in India, the gig economy, class, family, and patriarchy. Two, the amateur filmmaking and production value of the entire setup. Going in to the movie - especially with how the central app is designed or the attention to details - you almost wonder why not much thought was gone into it and it's working. It's a bit satirical but more than anything Zwigato gives you a new perspective about online food delivery. As a mere consumer, Zwigato surprised me and think will make me a bit more patient and considerate while ordering food online. The jibe at Zomato and Swiggy is immense here to the tune of lawsuit vulnerability.

(Watched at the 2022 International Film Festival of Kerala at Trivandrum.)