Review: ‘Coffee House’ is a nostalgic take on old blissful days

Gurbir Singh Grewal’s ‘Coffee House’ is a modest and meaningful cinema that urges the youth to dream big and bring change. The film is an evocative reminder of the power of common man whose determination can transform the system. ‘Coffee House’ is not your typical Bollywood flick but thought evoking cinema, that certainly raises issues which will make you sit back think. ‘Coffee House’ is undoubtedly a dream for impossible.

Spicezee Bureau

Gurbir Singh Grewal’s ‘Coffee House’ is a modest and meaningful cinema that urges the youth to dream big and bring change. The film is an evocative reminder of the power of common man whose determination can transform the system. ‘Coffee House’ is undoubtedly inspired by the life of theatre activist Safdar Hasmi, who faced a brutal end during the 1990s. In ‘Coffee House’, Ashutosh Rana plays the character of a theatre activist of a street theatre, who desires to bring change in the society to make it gentle, all-encompassing and responsible. TV actresses Sakshi Tanwar plays the role of Ashutosh Rana’s wife who also runs a newspaper. Ashutosh Rana runs the newspaper along with his wife but withdraws back on the issues of editorial protest coming mid way the business interest of the newspaper. However, this episode is just one of the inconsequential variances among the much in love couple. The main focus of ‘Coffee House’ lies in the neighboring coffee shop that serves as the hot bed of ideology, where people exchange their views on diverse issues of politics, ethics and society. Indeed, this ‘adda baazi’ highlights the grappling issues of Indian society. It is a platform that provides a unique opportunity to interact with each other and exchange views on contemporary issues. Apart from Ashutosh Rana and Sakshi Tanwar, ‘Coffee House’ also presents the life of a glamorous TV journalist in Harsh Chhaya. The film also boats of praiseworthy performances by a number of other characters who play a bunch of old men struggling with neglect and lack of respect from their children. ‘Coffee House’ is a microcosm of macrocosm where people from diverse cultural background meet and exchange their thoughts on various issues. In spite of no big names to draw the crowds, ‘Coffee House’ scores on its own merit with classic performances of Ashutosh Rana and Harsh Chhaya who carry their role with fervor and flamboyance. Vinod Nagpal will touch you with his ‘emotional fool’ act and so will Sakshi Tanwar who is a modern day woman of substance. ‘Coffee House’ is not your typical Bollywood flick but thought evoking cinema, that certainly raises issues which will make you sit back think. ‘Coffee House’ is undoubtedly a dream for impossible. Ratings: Three cheers