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First, the Recap:
A loss of relevance. As we move forward in life and strive to achieve the successes we do, there will inevitably come a time where, in whatever form they may take, the lights fade, the cameras turn away, and the immediate importance of what you have accomplished begins to get overshadowed by what is the newest, greatest thing. When this occurs, the question will then become–are you ready to face it, accept it, or try to push one more time to be in the spotlight? In the case of 63-year old actor Sudheer (Sanjay Mishra), this scenario may literally become his focus as he watches past projects he’s been a part of, recognizing his time is over, and his roles, while having made him a huge success, have always had him playing second fiddle. Coming to find that he’s almost reached a milestone-setting number of films for his career, he bucks the odds and makes the try for one more moment of glory.
Next, my Mind:
It’s a study in the effects of realizing that time never stops, age is a factor, certain success is finite, but that new paths can be forged, a renewal of mind as to what’s most important in life can be reestablished, and that sometimes, trying for more glory may or may not be in one’s best interest, all explored in varying dramatically and humorously effective degrees through this indie feature film effort from writer/director Hardik Mehta, dialogue writer Radhika Anand, producers Manish Mundra and Ridhima Lulla, plus executive producer Raghav Gupta, which made its New York Premier (and became Best Picture winner!) at the inaugural 2019 New York City South Asian Film Festival sponsored by Toyota. It becomes such a candid picture of an industry that’s steeped in those involved wanting to be remembered and always wishing to be the “in” thing. Then, when it suddenly isn’t the case and that reality hits, it’s a slap in the face but ideally a renewing wake-up call to reassess priorities and take stock of what’s been accomplished so as not to try and push too hard to capture that which has had its moment and needs to be allowed to pass on to the next generation of players.
Here, though, the narrative takes the former into account when Sudheer chooses not to listen to primary voices of reason in his life and instead tries to jump back into the pool full bore, which is charmingly noteworthy and admirable. But, once in the midst of the epic chance he is offered to regain his place and achieve the “round figure” he’s been convinced to go after, he encounters some hefty challenges that begin to make it more than evident the decision might not have been to his benefit. With this in mind, the film addresses the burden of both high frustration and growing sense of worthlessness and inadequacy in not being at the top of one’s game anymore, and this adds the truly human elements to the story and gives it the message it’s intended to have while still illustrating that how we see ourselves, or maybe more importantly how others that value, miss, and desire our attention do, needs to take precedence over material or ego-driven success so we can enjoy that which we have or has always been right in front of us, acknowledging that it is the actual life fulfillment we need. This is beautifully and affectingly showcased in a finale that brings both smiles and tugs at the heartstrings.
Veteran actor Mishra was such a perfect choice to portray washed-up, retired character and supporting role actor Sudheer, a man who’s really enjoying his post-film days, despite the rather annoying (though for us, quite hilarious) reminders of his days on top, though never in THE substantial role in any of his 499 efforts. Whether it is hanging out with his friends reminiscing or trying to make it through a simple interview gone awry, it becomes more than apparent Sudheer needs to stay put. But, when he is goaded into aiming for that pivotal role to make a milestone mark on his career, and much to his own daughter’s objections, he strikes out to remake himself one last time as a star, with final results that paint a sobering and honestly heartbreaking portrait that some things just aren’t meant to be. But, in an unexpected twist, perhaps his dream can still become a reality. It’s an absolutely engaging, entertaining, evocative, grounded, believable performance Mishra provides, and he does so with such energetic poise and smartly executed acting chops that befit the talented actor that he is. He makes you laugh and, perhaps, cry in the myriad of emotional moments the narrative provides, another reflection of his astute delivery.
There is a wealth of supporting roles that cover such a wide range of key elements in this ensemble cast-based effort, and naming them all from this film would take quite a list. However, several particular performances to mention include Sarika Singh as Sudheer’s adult daughter Bhavna who adamantly protests her father’s newfound drive to act, Kaurwakee Vasistha as Sudheer’s granddaughter Anu who idolizes him and has a great impact on choices he makes later on, Vikas Verma as star film director Rahul Chopra whose film Sudheer gets a chance at, Deepak Dobriyal as casting director Dinesh Gulati whom Sudheer has known for a long time and utilizes in his endeavors, Isha Talwar as Sudheer’s apartment neighbor and aspiring actress Isha whom he encourages and comforts, and Avtar Gill effectively as himself, playing an actor out to get payback on Sudheer, along with appearances by Sunil Joshi, Deepak Tokas, Anup Sharma, Akashdeep Arora, Amitabh Srivastava, Devika Vatsa, Devas Dixit, and a host of others.
In total, “Kaamyaab (Round Figure)” is the grander epitome of an industry and the involvements of those associated with it from the perspective of someone who’s been through its ringer and come out the other side, even if his success hasn’t quite brought him the ultimate fulfillment he desired. In pursuing the goal he does, the film then becomes a both an inspiring and cautionary tale that shows us dreams can come true (even if not in the way we anticipated) while also reminding us to be wary flying too high on borrowed wings.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
