Shastry Virudh Shastry is a compelling exploration of generational conflicts and differing parenting styles, offering a thought-provoking and balanced cinematic experience. The film delves into the complexities of a custody battle for young Yaman, whose upbringing is shared between his devoted grandparents, portrayed convincingly by Paresh Rawal and Neena Kulkarni, and his career-focused parents, played by Shiv Panditt and Mimi Chakraborty.
The narrative unfolds with an insightful subtlety as it suggests that Yaman, with a child’s perceptiveness, subtly manipulates both sets of caretakers to his advantage. He enjoys the doting care of his grandparents and the occasional guilt-driven gifts from his absentee parents. As the tension mounts, the elder Shastry, portrayed as a traditional patriarch by the remarkable Paresh Rawal, adamantly refuses to let go of Yaman’s guardianship, leading to a legal battle that raises poignant questions about parenting across different eras.
The film masterfully presents both sides of the custody dispute through compelling arguments. Manoj Joshi plays the role of Manohar’s lawyer, who is openly contemptuous of the younger generation. On the other side, Amruta Subhash brilliantly embodies the character of Malhar’s attorney, a sharp and driven young woman who firmly believes that the older generation stifles their children. The script, crafted by the directors and Anu Singh Choudhary, manages to maintain a balanced narrative that leaves the audience as conflicted as the judge overseeing the case.
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One minor drawback in the film is the underexplored perspective of Mallika, Yaman’s mother, portrayed by Mimi Chakraborty. Her viewpoint could have added depth to the narrative and offered a more well-rounded exploration of the custody dispute. It’s a missed opportunity, as Mallika’s viewpoint is crucial in understanding the complex dynamics at play.
Despite this minor shortcoming, Shastry Virudh Shastry offers a captivating examination of familial dynamics, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the intricacies of parenthood. Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee’s direction is both sensitive and thought-provoking, bringing these themes to life with authenticity.
What sets the film apart is its ability to present a balanced perspective on the parenting styles of two generations. It doesn’t lean heavily on one side but rather invites the audience to contemplate the pros and cons of each approach. This even-handedness keeps viewers engaged throughout and encourages reflection on the nature of parenting across different eras.
While the film primarily revolves around the legal battle, it also subtly highlights the social and cultural aspects of the characters’ lives. The backdrop of Kolkata, where the story is primarily set, adds depth to the narrative, with its own unique character and traditions. The film effectively captures the essence of the city and its significance in the lives of the characters.
In conclusion, Shastry Virudh Shastry is a well-crafted and engaging film that successfully navigates the complexities of parenthood, tradition, and modernity. It skillfully presents both sides of the custody dispute, leaving the audience in a state of thoughtful contemplation. While it may have missed the opportunity to fully explore the mother’s perspective, the film’s overall impact is a testament to the directors’ storytelling prowess. Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee have delivered a compelling and balanced cinematic experience that is sure to resonate with audiences.