Anupam Kher and Gupta starrer ‘Shiv Shastri Balboa’ is the perfect slice of life film to watch this weekend!

The pandemic has many of us hooked on movies and now with all the restrictions lifted, people are flocking the theatres, eager for their next fix of drama. We Indians love our movies with loaded with masala and dhamaka but we do appreciate a good slice-of-life for the humorous and touching portrayal of the general public’s daily life. So, if you’re looking for some warmth and humour, #ShivShastriBalboa is the film for you. This touching dramedy, directed by #AjayanVenugopalan and starring two B’town legends, #AnupamKher and #NeenaGupta, as well as Nargis Fakhri and Jugal Hansraj, will both entertain and overwhelm you with emotions. Are you still not convinced? Here are 6 reasons why Shiv Shastri Balboa is worth watching:

The cast is simply ‘chef’s kiss’ : Anupam Kher, who plays Shiv Shankar Shastri, has a long list of chart-topping hits, including Kashmir Files, Uunchai, and The Accidental Prime Minister, to name a few. Neena Gupta has made headlines for her roles in films such as Badhai Ho, Vadh, Goodbye, and Uunchai. Not to mention Nargis Fakhri, who won hearts in films such as Rockstar and Madras Cafe for reasons other than her beauty. With such icons on our screens, we can be sure of having a good time!

It’s full of surprises : Curious? Shiv Shastri Balboa is Director Ajayan Venugopalan’s first feature film, which is surprising given how well he has brought out the characters’ emotions and personalities. Not only that, but Anupam Kher has hit a new milestone in his 38-year film career by appearing on the movie poster as the titular character. Plus, Rajat Sharma, our beloved anchor of ‘Aap Ki Adaalat,’ also makes a cameo in the film.

It’s funny because it’s relatable : Even though touching, Shiv Shastri’s (Anupam Kher) and Elsa’s (Neena Gupta) struggles as NRIs trying to go about their daily lives in the United States will have you giggling. Something about Shashtri Ji fanboying over Rocky and Elsa’s homesickness creates an emotional cocktail for the viewers. Not to mention the ‘it’ scene in which Elsa introduces Shastri to the simple joy of life – vodka. After all, who hasn’t drunk their problems away with friends.

Rediscover life through Shastri’s eyes : Shiv Shankar Shastri, a retired fella, moves to the United States to live with his family, hoping to meet his idol Rocky one day. There, he befriends his neighbour Elsa, and a surprising twist forces both of them to embark on a journey together, rediscovering their inner youth and being liberated from the burdensome expectations of being a senior citizen. Their journey of independence and self-discovery proves that just because you get older doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun.

Touches subjects close to our hearts : The makers have hit the nail on the head with the subject of migration and the homesickness that migrants experience. Shastri, who is used to the bustling environment of India, feels lonely in the United States, despite the fact that he is surrounded by his family. Elsa, on the other hand, yearns to meet her family but can’t, a plight of many solo migrants. Another thing the film shows is how we Indian have a strong bond as a community, that we can count on eachother, no matter where we are.

It’s not just us : Shiv Shastri Balboa has garnered positive review right from the first day, with Hindustan Times calling it ‘a love letter to life’ and The Time of India stating it as a ‘madventure that packs quite the punch as a heartwarming and hardcore family entertainer’. Even Gautam Dutta, the CEO of PVR Limited commented, “The storyline of Shiv Shastri Balboa is actually an apparent tribute to Anupam Kher’s phenomenal tale of reinvention, with marvelous performances in Kashmir Files, Uunchai and Karthikeya 2. It’s a pure family entertainer of a different kind, which would not only make you smile, but also inspire you with the message that age should not be an obstacle when you are out to rediscover yourselves.”

Surely now you must be convinced? It’s time to book your tickets at nearest PVR and INOX theatres and enjoy the movie. Get cozy, sit back, have some snack and rediscover the joy of life through Shiv Shastri Balboa.