Review of Sui Dhaaga: Sab Badiya Hai?

I’ve grown up on Yash Raj films. Much has changed in the last 30 years but what remains constant is the nature of YRF’s simple yet endearing stories. Sharat Katariya’s “Sui Dhaaga” has many faults, yet is simple and endearing at heart.

THE PLOT:

Mauji (Varun Dhawan) belongs to a lower middle class family living in the outskirts of Delhi. His wife Mamta (Anushka Sharma) encourages him to rise above their penury and constant toe-licking of employers, by starting a tailoring business of his own. However, they encounter many trials in their attempt at earning a clean living with self-respect.

THE COMMENTARY:

WHAT I LIKED:

1. The story shows the protagonist achieving an almost impossible dream. It both inspires and pleases audience, and is a winner for that reason.
2. The movie captures the essence of suburban India well, including the tribulations people face and their eternal penchant for hope.
3. The film shows a strong sense of community living, quiet romances and relationships that are too open in some circumstances and too closed in others. It beautifully captures the sentiments of people.
4. Everyone acts well, though certain people really shine. Raghubir Yadav as Mauji’s principled father, Mauji’s loud bhabhi, her wily brother (Namit Das), and the bitchy designer cheating her way to the top, are particularly noteworthy.
5. Above everything, I liked the message of the film. The “sab badiya hai” attitude of most Indians has been a survival mechanism for centuries, and the best way to tackle most of life’s problems. The film’s positive simplicity reminded me somewhat of Frank Capra’s classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”.

Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma in a still from the film. 

WHAT I DISLIKED:

1. The story may have its heart in the right place, but is implausible and hard to believe. By choosing a different profession for the protagonist, the situation could’ve been redeemed. Mauji is shown as a talented tailor (not a designer), yet makes the most contemporary and beautiful designs on clothes; completely disconnected with his personal taste and circumstances. One could’ve believed him tailoring beautiful traditional designs, but not the uber-modern cutting-edge fashion he delivers in the film.
2. Anushka Sharma and Varun Dhawan sincerely attempt to look and act as if they belong to the lower middle class, but can’t shake off their upper class celebrity demeanor completely. This is more the fault of mis-casting than lack of acting talent. A fresh pair of faces could’ve done more justice to the roles.
3. Unlike most YRF films, the music is sorely disappointing. Not a single track stands out.
4. The excessive melodrama and ready availability of tears gets seriously tiring after a point.
5. The movie drags in bits and is unnecessarily slow in the second half, in an attempt to add too many negative plot twists.

THE VERDICT (SHOULD YOU WATCH IT?):

The film is an average one. If you’re not one for Bollywood melodramas, or prefer believable cinema, you should skip this. If however, you enjoy films with a sweet message that leave you feeling happy, you’ll like it.

Film rating: 3/5

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