Sonali Cable

Sonali Cable is a fine movie with lots of good moments. A must-watch for a break from the regular commercial Bollywood movies. Each and every actor has done a great job. Rhea as the protagonist Sonali is especially a delight to watch. Not to forget Ali Fazal as Raghu and Raghav Juyal as Sadaa. Such movies should be watched on television and apreciated.

This is an emotionally powerful film without any unnecessary melodrama. Without being the typical bollywood it gives some insight into the challenges faced by small business owners from big corporates. The main plot is engaging and well paced but I found myself more interested in the lives of the minor characters. More scenes with the Bengali operator Beedi talking about his past life, and his dreams and aspirations would have been fun. Similarly the lives of other minor characters explored more in depth would have been fun to watch. Anupam Kher could have been more humiliating towards his employees to realise the full potential of his character. I didn't like how he kept a cotton swab lodged in his ear, that was unrealistic. I feel that the director was trying to keep the film mainstream by using colourful scenes with choreographed dances and such but it would have worked better if there was a push instead towards making this film look even more like parallel cinema. On the positive side, everybody acted well and the script worked emotionally.

There is an idea in the name of story. Screenplay is forced. Nothing appealing in dialogues even. Every possible twist is tried to incorporate without justifying them. There is love, politics, murder, hacking and fight for existence. I was unable to understand the title itself and remained so after watching the film. Every big company wants to undertake or buy a small venture by hook or crook, its very old thing but there was nothing new so I could feel attached with the fight for survival of Sonali Cable. Female protagonist introduced while jumping one roof to another like cakewalk. I was expecting some realistic touch from this movie but this shot shattered my expectation. Cuts from one scene to another are beautiful. Love is second plot but it is assumed that they are in love rather than showing some beautiful romantic moments. Performance wise Ali Fazal as Raghu is OK. Reah Chakraborty as Sonali is fine. An actor who played Bobby Bose is impressive. Raghav Juyal as Sada is very good. Anupam Kher is just OK.

Bollywood is the biggest movie industry in the world where each Friday churns out a new genre of films. Sonali Cable is a daring attempt never seen before on Indian Cinema. Unfortunately it has few moments to hold your attention.

A small-time cable shop is threatened by a big tycoon who is willing to take over the city of Mumbai. Sonali Cable tells the story of young and dynamic Sonali who must survive the wave and get back her shop which she proudly runs.

I would like to mention here that as a first time director Cahurdutt Acharya has put in a sincere efforts. Full marks should be given to him for tackling the story so efficiently. The cinematography of the flick is an average. Background score is poor. The screenplay could have been a bit tighter. Rhea Chakraborty is a fine actress. She plays the chirpy yet fiery role with aplomb. Ditto goes for the performance by the rest of the star cast.

Overall, the movie is a decent watch. You may want to give it a try. Decent – 2.75 / 5

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• Ketan

In addition to my previous review..correction it is indeed Anupam Kher and not Raju Kher..His acting was just ok towards the end.