MIMI - Kriti Sanon is here to stay!

MIMI - A soulful film that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster 

 

Midway through the film Mimi, Bhanu Pratap Sharma, played by Pankaj Tripathi talks about a principle that taxi drivers have. He says, “Passenger ko baitha liya toh manzil pe chore bagair vapas nahi laut te” (Once we accept a passenger, we don’t leave them till they reach their destination”).  That  one quote summaries the movie beautifully. Mimi, by Laxman Utekar, is a heart-warming and wholesome film that takes the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster and leads them to the destination that the director envisioned, while teaching them a few lessons along the way. 

The movie is held up by a brilliant story and plot-line. An adaptation of Marathi film, ‘Mala Aai Vhhaychy’, Mimi, is the story of an unabashed small town girl, Mimi, played by Kriti Sanon who aspires to be Bollywood’s next big thing. In order to make some quick cash that will allow her to move to Mumbai and work towards her dream, she agrees to be a surrogate mother for an American couple who can’t conceive children of their own. The movie follows the trials and tribulations of her experience, dealing with judgemental society, questioning parents and shocking decisions by the American couple. There are unexpected twists throughout the movie, but it makes sure to take you on the ride and leave you with a smile on your face, along with a few tears. 

While the plotline and story-writing are great, the movie is powered and driven by the performances of its lead cast. Kriti Sanon, in and as Mimi, delivers by far her best acting performance of her career. She displays a fantastic range of emotions and has you supporting her throughout the movie. She delivers a nuanced performance and makes sure to bring a layer of vulnerability to the unabashed small town girl with big dreams that she plays. Pankaj Tripathi is his effervescent self. He nails the accent superbly and portrays his character with equal amounts of flair, poise and panache. As the comic release of the film, he makes sure that his jokes don’t seem forced or unnecessary, instead showing his brilliant comic timing and ability to mesmerise the audience. Sai Tamhankar, as Mimi’s best friend Shama, is understated and loving, delivering a splendid performance. She plays her character to perfection and always makes it  seem like when she’s by Mimi’s side, nothing can go wrong. Supporting actors Manoj Pahwa, Supriya Pathak, Aidan Whytock and Evelyn Edwards play their roles solidly and ensure that the movie stands up well rather than lagging at certain parts. 

The music and background score are also well chosen and well directed. At no time does it feel as though a song is being forced on or is over-powering the script. At most places the music accurately reflects the mood of the scene and enhances the emotions the audience is feeling. Director Laxman Utekar does a sterling job in ensuring that the movie flows nicely and allows the actors to showcase their independent styles and flair. 

A possible criticism of the movie is that it is slightly too long and does sidestep a couple of potentially problematic questions, especially those about a woman’s careers ambitions after becoming a mother. However, the director chooses to stay true to the breezy, simple tone he’s decided on rather than complicating and compromising it by covering a wider range of issues. In my opinion, that decision does seem to pay off as the movie keeps you hooked throughout.

Overall, Mimi is a beautiful, soulful film that is definitely worth watching. In her first in and as film, Kriti Sanon has shown that she has truly arrived in Bollywood and is now ready to rise to the very top. 

- Ahaan Gupta