"Aachar & Co." initially seems like a promising venture, but its coming-of-age narrative unfolds in a haphazard manner, leaving the viewer searching for a coherent character arc.
The film tantalizingly teases us with a climax just as the excitement begins to build. Within "Aachar & Co.," we witness the transformation of Suma (portrayed by Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, who also directs and co-writes), as she evolves from a dreamy-eyed visionary longing for a life in London to a well-rounded leader within her family. As this coming-of-age tale unfolds across nearly a decade, the 1960s Bangalore setting lends depth to the storyline. Born into a family of ten siblings, Suma's sense of identity becomes lost in the crowd. Moreover, her status as the least educated member, not even having passed matriculation, further compounds her predicament. A pivotal shift occurs when her hopes of relocating to London with her potential husband shatter, as he opts to marry her younger sister due to her B.Sc. degree.
Reality strikes hard, prompting Suma to confront her surroundings, acknowledge the truth, and perhaps even take action. As time proves to be the most profound educator, she finds herself gradually stepping into her newfound responsibilities.
A Patchy Journey
Although the premise of "Aachar & Co." holds much promise, the execution leaves much to be desired. The narrative's central journey unfolds in a fragmented and erratic manner, failing to establish a satisfying character arc. Despite the apparent transformation in Suma's physical appearance—from a daydreaming adolescent with twin braids to a pragmatic woman—the evolution of her personality struggles to resonate with the audience. This disconnect might be attributed to the narrative's delayed establishment of focus.
Familial Dysfunction in Focus
The film primarily delves into the complexities of a dysfunctional family. Madhusudhan Aachar (Ashok), Suma's father, aspires for each of his three sons to become engineers like him, possibly driven by the desire for them to enjoy the same government privileges he does. The seven daughters, however, are afforded the freedom to pursue education, although the ultimate goal remains finding them suitable husbands. The exterior of the Aachar & Co. residence might exude a polished appearance, thanks to a government job's perks, but the interior is marred by a lack of vibrancy.
Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy employs a Wes Anderson-esque whimsy in presenting this world, carefully framing each scene and crafting a vignette-like narrative. While the characters' yearning for freedom and Suma's yearning for London are evident, the film struggles due to its inability to develop fully fleshed-out characters. Even though Suma's journey takes center stage, a film that aspires to encompass a broader perspective necessitates a well-rounded cast.
Nostalgic Vignettes and Narrative Missteps
The film's charm lies in its attempt to convey its story through significant moments and anecdotes. Yet, the writing struggles to seamlessly intertwine these vignettes. The intent is to unveil the dynamics of a large family and then merge the drama to amplify Suma's narrative. While this premise is exciting, understanding Suma better during these initial phases would have enriched the viewing experience. Unfortunately, the writing often meanders, failing to capture the era's essence and nostalgia effectively.
Musical Grace and Missed Opportunities
"Aachar & Co." presents numerous delightful aspects. Rangayana Raghu's voiceover introduces the story gracefully, but its potential could have been more effectively tapped. The metaphor likening human life to a mango—a recurring theme—adds depth, with "The Pickle Song" poignantly showcasing sisterly unity through musical harmony. The film's soundtrack, composed by Bindhumalini, is inventive and catchy, with "Bengaluru's Suprabhata" offering a clever twist on a traditional prayer.
Conclusion
While "Aachar & Co." showcases a refreshing collaboration between a female director and a mainstream production house, the film ultimately leaves a sense of missed potential. Although the attention to recreating an era is commendable, the script lacks coherence and depth in multiple aspects. Nevertheless, the film offers a nostalgic glimpse into the charm of Bangalore and might prove endearing for those seeking to relive the city's bygone days. "Aachar & Co." is currently screening in theaters.
Aachar & Co (2023) - info
- Release date: July 28, 2023
- Genre: Thriller
- Director: Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy
- Writers: Kanan Gill, Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy
- Stars: Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, Anirudh Acharya, Harshil Koushik