Movie Review: 102 Not Out

Movie Review: 102 Not Out
Rating: 4/5
Director: Shoojit Sircar
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Jimit Trivedi

102 Not Out Movie Trailer

The unique and refreshing concept of ‘102 Not Out’ is its strength. This film like most other Hindi films is about relationships, but thankfully here the story spins around the bond between two people aged 102 and 75. The narrative never gets too complex, the story is told from the perspective of just the three main characters – Dattatraya, (Amitabh Bachchan), the 102-year-old father, Babu (Rishi Kapoor), the 75 year old son and Dhiru (Jimit Trivedi), their man friday. The film features several locations from Mumbai, but most of it plays out within the walls of the Vakharias’ house. Director Umesh Shukla’s film turns its limitations into its strength. It does not deviate into thrilling scenes or make our jaws drop with unexpected twist, it never tries to be pointlessly clever. And in doing so, it manages to give the audience, the best of what it has to offer.

Amitabh Bachchan is more than being perfect, he’s literally having time of his life in this one. He masters the Gujarati accent and has an effortless dialogue delivery. Apart from his brilliant acting, it’s the way his character has been sketched that works big time. So glad that he has been getting such roles at this high point of his career. Follow Spotlife Asia for the latest Entertainment and Lifestyle news.

Rishi Kapoor, post doing roles like Dadu in Kapoor & Sons and Rauf Lala in Agneepath, proves how there’s much more left in him. He has restricted his inner kid to pop out in the film by adapting a serious shade. Both him and Amitabh Bachchan establish yet again how good actors never age.

Jimit Trivedi, who was seen as Goti in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, is making his Bollywood comeback with 102 Not Out. He is an unadulterated gem and shines bright amidst the mounting talent in the film. After this, I’m sure, many offers awaits him.

Saumya Joshi, on whose play with the same name inspired this film, has been credited as the writer of it. The first thought that came to my mind after watching this was, “Oh! How Hrishi-da (Hrishikesh Mukherjee) would have loved this film.” There are some movies that demand your presence, 102 Not Out is one such film. It’s not just about the adorable chemistry between the father and a son, it’s also about how the makers under the layers of subtext teach you how to live life.

Many might get the misconception of movie being preachy but it’s not the case at all. Every learning is backed by a comical sequence and it’s a properly mixed cocktail of emotions. The film is of just 102 minutes, still at the end you’re filled with so many emotions you feel overwhelmed. Abhijat Joshi has been specially thanked in the credits and throughout the movie you feel his magical presence.

A director needs a good script to blend the moments well and here he got everything decorated on a platter. Umesh Shukla has made a beautiful film and this movie will hugely depend on the word of mouth. Vishal Patil’s screenplay is noteworthy. While Shukla tries to make the film feel beautiful, Vishal tries to make the film look beautiful.

Songs by Salim-Sulaiman are very good. Arijit Singh’s Bachche Ki Jaan goes well with the situation, it’s background music has been used very interestingly throughout the film. Kulfi is the highlight of light moments and it’s written brilliantly by Saumya Joshi.

Films like ‘102 Not Out’ are best enjoyed with the family. The ease with which the film portrays the bittersweet relationship between its characters is fantastic. Such films are like soft serve ice cream on a sparkly Sunday afternoon. They make you happy. There are parts in the film where emotions run high, but it’s never too overbearing. It’s just a happy and healthy entertainer that tells you that living in the moment and making the most of everyday of your life is all that matters. And age of course, as they say, is just a number.