Gripping story with well-crafted characters

Am I Missing Something?

I was totally surprised at how great this film.You could feel your paranoia rise as the film went on and as you gradually learned the details of the real situation.

The first must-see film of the year.

If you can forget about any specific plot, ready to watch natural performers instead of superstars, can ignore some extreme abuses used and willing to experience something straight out of the real life of two struggling writers knocking at every promising door in Mumbai then do give this a try by making a serious effort as a must. Particularly if you are among the ones who themselves have experienced such time in the city of dreams as a writer, actor or a creative technician looking for work and your first crucial break in the film world.Cleverly shot in a different, realistic mode by the debutant director Amit Masurkar, his SULEMANI KEEDA might not be a perfect winner, but it does have that much required freshness to offer post many mediocre projects supported by all big names. Its pleasingly authentic portrayal of two struggling writers, their try at girls in a bookstore, the unlimited rounds to the homes & offices of celebrities like Amrita Rao, Mahesh Bhatt, Anil Sharma and Aditya Chopra, their attempt to write something out of the box for their eccentric rich client, falling in love, fighting with each other and then surrendering to the corrupt system ignoring their own cherished art-form, truly gives you a quite mature account of the real life lived by such artists in Mumbai looking for that one major break.With many admirably natural performances from Mayank Tewari, Naveen Kasturia and the entire supporting cast, who don't really seem to be acting, the film many a times gives you a feeling of watching something straight from the real life shot in a docu-drama style. And that's where it scores the most despite losing the grip in the middle (due to the repetitive love affair) and then becoming all predictable towards the end of its 90 minutes duration. Shot in a simple but impressive manner on all next door Mumbai locations, SULEMANI KEEDA remains a comedy throughout maintaining a fine balance between real life and its unique characters. But along with that also represents the deep pain felt by every single person who comes to the city in search of name, fame and money in big numbers.It mocks at the film industry's way of functioning much better than the recent HAPPY ENDING and THE SHAUKEENS and has an interesting soundtrack and background score too adding to the overall impact. Yet admittedly it doesn't hit that hard in the end with the fun losing out to all familiar scenes in its final 45 minutes. Moreover, targeting only the urban youth or selected audience, the film is certainly not going to be seen and enjoyed by everyone as it seems. Having said that, it still gives you a name to watch in the future of its director Masurkar, who surely has a keen observing eye on the life around.Ending on a different note, SULEMANI KEEDA might only be rated as a realistic, promising first attempt by the entire team performing well, but it definitely needs to be given a chance without any doubt. Specifically if you are film writer yourself or often write about films of the present or the past on your own blog/site as a passionate hobby. And in case you are still not convinced then sample this one line from the film saying, "Agar Filmein Bechani Hain Toh Dukandaar Ki Tarah Socho, Writer Ki Tarah Nahin!"

Sulemani Keeda is one of those rare films that needed to be created. A niche that needed to be filled. A comedy that makes you laugh, cry, wince, smile without having to resort to slapstick. A movie much needed amongst the onslaught of mindless 100-crore grossing "comedies" with item songs. The characters are real. These struggling writers could be any of the thousands of people who come to Bombay to make a living in this highly commercialized city's cinema industry. The producer's son who wants to make a movie about a story without a story but is 35 and waiting to be launched. The cute gen-next girl who quits law to do a career in photography. The censor board chief who lectures the writers to make "decent" films while staying at the farmhouse of the producer whose films he's supposed to review. The film is full of such characters you probably know in real life, and subtle yet illuminating moments that it's easy to miss them. The dialogues are sharp and witty, packing a punch at the right spots, making you laugh and ponder but never gets too serious. The soundtrack and background score are both breezy, soothing and very "indie", managing to create an atmosphere but does not overwhelm.The city is very much there in every frame yet stays in the background. Filmi-wallahs and Mumbai lovers especially will notice the city's famous hangouts and spots from Salman Khan's house to the Sewri mudflats visited for its famous flamingoes. An evocative scene is that of the lead character listening to his fortune being read from a multi-colored machine on Juhu beach offering empty neon- filled dreams much like the city it is set in.If you are used to a fast-paced, big-budget Bollywood masala movie with action, drama, item songs, big sets, stars and the usual, Sulemani Keeda is none of those things. At the end of it, it's a film--just like its fictional namesake referred to in the movie-- about a story with no story! Where the guy does not get the girl. There are no villains but real people, warts and all. There is an ending, but not necessarily happy or sad. The characters move on. Just like in life....

Mainak and Dulal, the chemistry between them leaves you in splits. This 90-minute film, low budget film is a laugh riot. Ruma (Aditi Vasudev) charms with her screen presence, and confirms that her performance in Do Dooni Char was not a mere co-incidence. With just songs and some background scores, music is spot on. 'Door' song deserves a special mentions. However, the winner in this indie is by far the 'dialogues'. Kudos to actors for timing each of them so well. This movie would grow with word of mouth! At a breezy speed, 90 film just passes by leaving smile on your face. The movie is so real yet so filmy.

Watched this at MAMI festival in 2013. Was one of the 3 best I saw that year! The audience was in splits. The film has a very simple story and yet you are completely engaged with the characters and their journeys. The two leads play struggling screen writing partners who are constantly aspiring to reach the "next level" in their careers- and you completely feel for them. The lead girl (who was earler seen in Talaash) is gorgeous. There are also some cameos by Bollywood insiders who spoof themselves in a sporty way. The best part about this film is that it is not trying hard to make you laugh or make a point. It is breezy, light and funny. This is the kind of film that makes you want more and the kind of fresh Indian cinema that I would like to watch more often.