Ritesh Batra follows her popular release The Lunchbox with a delicate tale of quiet romance about finding the beauty in fleeting moments of connection amidst the chaos of an increasingly isolating and stratified city. Actors Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sanya Malhotra bring warmth and vulnerability to Rafi and Miloni’s bittersweet coupling, as director Batra masterfully reminds us of the joy in sharing life’s small pleasures. The result is a tender ode to the rarity of true communion.
Rafi works as a street photographer in frenzied Mumbai. Pressured to marry by his grandmother, he convinces a shy stranger to pose as his fiancée. The pair develops a connection that transforms them in ways that they could not expect. 2018, India, DCP, in Hindi and Gujarati with English subtitles, 110 minutes. Rated PG-13.
This national series, programmed by the venerable film critics and film curators Harlan and Susan Jacobson, features a sneak preview screening of an art house film prior to its release followed by discussion. Check the Speed’s website for the reveal of the film selected at least a week in advance of the screening.
Last year’s selections have included The Florida Project, Lady Bird, I, Tonya, and The Other Side of Hope. This year’s films have included The Apparition, Border, Shoplifters, Stan & Ollie, and Capernaum.