Introduction
India Lockdown is a Hindi-language film directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, available on the streaming platform Zee5. The film explores the experiences of different individuals during the initial 21-day nationwide lockdown in India due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020. The film follows four parallel stories detailing the varied emotions and dilemmas faced by different strata of society during the lockdown.
Plot
The film follows four parallel stories, each detailing the experiences of different individuals during the lockdown. Prakash Belawadi plays Mr. Rao, a well-to-do man who becomes irked by the various problems faced during the lockdown, such as long queues outside grocery stores, mandatory health checks, home quarantine, and reluctance to wear masks.
Aahana Kumra plays a commercial pilot who is stuck in her apartment due to the lockdown and turns to cooking to pass the time. Shweta Basu Prasad plays Mehru, a prostitute, and Prateik Babbar and Sai Tamhankar play Madhav and Phoolmati, who also face their own challenges during the lockdown.
Performance
Prateik Babbar is praised for his performance as Madhav, particularly in the heartwrenching scenes that explore the struggles of migrant workers and sex workers during the lockdown. Aahana Kumra's portrayal of a commercial pilot turned home chef is also noted. Prakash Belawadi's portrayal of Mr. Rao highlights the various problems faced by well-to-do individuals during the lockdown.
Characters
The film features four main characters: Mr. Rao (Prakash Belawadi), a well-to-do man dealing with the various problems of the lockdown; a commercial pilot (Aahana Kumra) who turns to cooking to pass the time; Mehru (Shweta Basu Prasad), a prostitute; and Madhav and Phoolmati (Prateik Babbar and Sai Tamhankar), who face their own challenges during the lockdown.
Positive Points
The film explores the varied experiences and emotions of different individuals during the lockdown in a realistic and authentic manner. Some scenes, particularly those focusing on the struggles of migrant workers and sex workers, manage to evoke strong emotions in the viewer.
Negative Points
Some reviewers criticize the lack of a compelling background score and the inclusion of cringeworthy dialogues and scenes.
Technical Aspects
It is not specified in the review what technical aspects of the film are being discussed.
Conclusion
Overall, India Lockdown is a film that explores the varied experiences and emotions of different individuals during the initial 21-day nationwide lockdown in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While some scenes manage to evoke strong emotions, the film is criticized for its lack of a compelling background score and the inclusion of cringeworthy dialogues and scenes.