LockDown Film Review
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LockDown Film Review
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown brought about significant changes in our lives, leaving a lasting impact on our collective psyche. Each person experienced the pandemic and lockdown in a unique way, facing challenges such as boredom, loneliness, working from home, and managing household chores. While the magnitude of these problems varied, we all had to navigate through unprecedented times that caught the world off guard, resulting in a shared sense of fear and trauma.
Over two years since the first countrywide lockdown in India, director Madhur Bhandarkar, along with writers Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah, presents a compilation of stories that are realistic and relatable. The film takes a simplistic and micro-level approach, depicting the experiences of people from different social backgrounds during the pandemic. The characters include a retired senior citizen, a struggling couple, a sex worker, a pilot, and young lovers separated by the lockdown.
Most of the events portrayed in the film are inspired by real-life incidents, allowing viewers to identify with the situations depicted. The story, while predictable and featuring some character cliches, showcases the talents of actors such as Prakash Belawadi and Sai Tamhankar, who deliver standout performances. Prateik Babbar makes a sincere effort, but his portrayal lacks the necessary conviction, while Shweta Prasad Basu's performance comes across as loud and over-the-top. Aahana Kumra, Satvik Bhatiaa, and Zarin Shihab deliver good performances in their respective roles.
While this Madhur Bhandarkar film may lack the depth and layered characterizations found in his best works like 'Page 3', 'Chandni Bar', and 'Fashion', it does have moments that touch the heart and evoke a sense of helplessness during those challenging times. Ultimately, the film's ability to resonate with the audience, allowing them to see themselves in its characters, provides a rewarding and affirming sense of being alive.