There are some relations that we make as soon as we are born. But the relationship that we choose and cherish is that of friendship. And Uunchai celebrates this beautiful sentiment. Amit, Om, Javed, and Bhupen are BFFs. They have spent a lifetime together and it seems all they want is to spend the rest of their lives relaxing. But when Bhupen dies; the remaining three friends are thrown into an adventure they had never planned. The grief of losing their friend leads them on a journey to the Everest Base Camp during which they discover that there is more to their lives than they had imagined.
Now let's talk about the performances. The movie boasts of some of the most talented names in the business and it is an absolute joy to see them together. Amitabh Bachchan leads the pack. The 80-year-old actor once again proves why he is the Superstar he is. He plays the successful writer Amit with style and at the same time brings across a genuine vulnerability. Anupam Kher is Om, a bookstore owner who is stuck in the past. His performance connects us to the insecurities of senior citizens who are uncomfortable with change. Boman Irani is Javed who owns a ladies' wear store. He is the funny man in the cast, but there are moments when he moves you with his emotional performance. Neena Gupta plays Sabina, his wife. As always Neena is an absolute delight to watch. And her chemistry with Boman is absolutely amazing. It is wonderful to see Sarika on screen after quite some time. She plays her part as Mala with sincerity. Though Danny Denzongpa has a cameo in the film, he is truly the heart of Uunchai. It is his Bhupen that sets the narrative in motion. (No, no I didn't forget that Parineeti Chopra is there in the film and she does a decent job. But it is the two-scene performances of Nafisa Ali and Raju Kher that moved me more. So I will leave it at that!)
Uunchai is a milestone for Rajshri Productions. It not only marks the 75 years of this production house but also the 60th film from the movie house. Sooraj Barjatya helms this lofty film and he does it in his inimitable style. Written by Sunil Gandhi (story) and Abhishek Dixit ( screenplay and dialogues), Uunchai is a Rajshri film at heart, but it is commendable that there is a sincere effort to move away from the usual tropes that we have seen in earlier Sooraj Barjatrya directorial ventures. Probably the one that stands out is the music. The songs match the emotion of the story and remain with you even after you leave the theatre; especially Keti ko, Haan kar de, and Ladki pahadi. Composed by Amit Trivedi, the songs are written by Irshad Kamil. I must mention Manoj Kumar Khatoi's cinematography and the stunts by Sham Kaushal. The beauty of the mountains and the danger of the adventure has been captured to perfection by them.
But Uunchai is not a perfect film. Probably one of its biggest flaws is its length which is nearly 3 hours. There are a couple of scenes that should have been left at the editing table. And then there is the perfect makeup of the supporting cast, especially during the trek. But I guess these can be forgiven because it is not often that we see a movie featuring actors who are in their 60s, 70s and 80s. And one that attempts to tell a story with such pure emotion.
So go on, watch Uunchai on the big screen, and enjoy the visual and emotional journey.