After being laid off from the company he has worked for his entire life, 58-year-old Sharmaji (Mr. Sharma) struggles with retirement. The one unique hobby he has is his excellent cooking but his sons laugh at his idea of setting up a snack shop. Then a friend sets him up as a cook for a kitty party [what we in America might call a hen party]. A bunch of merry women rekindle in Sharma, a passion for cooking and chutzpah in general, that help him find his true calling.
This was a fun, sweet movie of the kind that Hollywood doesn't make anymore. It has familiar beats because this is a familiar theme in American movies and tv. However, the themes of family and friends are really well done. There are humorous points that I liked a lot. The whole scene in the jail is one I really enjoyed.
One point that I was really curious about was that star Rishi Kapoor died while before filming was complete. As his son, Ranbir Kapoor — also a famous Bollywood actor, explains in a brief clip at the beginning, they decided to honor his memory by finishing the movie. Paresh Rawal filled in and I was in awe of the way they were able to use a second actor so seamlessly in the uncompleted parts of the movie. In fact, most of the time a switch went unnoticed because we were busy watching the movie.
It isn't a big movie but it is thoroughly enjoyable and a delightful change of pace. Sometimes that's just what we need.
For an excellent, comprehensive review read this one from Access Bollywood.
