Meenakshi Sundareshwar
Director: Vivek Sonik
Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Abhimanyu Dasani, Purnendu Bhattacharya, Sukhesh Arora, Ritika Shrotri
When Meenakshi (Sanya Malhotra) and Sundareswarar (Abhimanyu Dasani) meet in an arranged marriage setup, we already know that they are at odds. For example, the former worships Thalaiva Rajinikanth while the latter does not like watching movies. But they must be reconciled by divine intervention. So begins the love story of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, which is a reference to the divine pairing of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the famous Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai.
However, before they have a chance to move beyond the awkwardness and get to know each other, Sundar is forced to move to Bangalore as he receives a job offer. We are told that she is not interested in her family saree business and that coding is her passion. The distance between the newlyweds and how they try to maintain their marriage is the crux of Vivek Soni’s romantic comedy.
Although long-distance arranged marriages are not explored enough in Bollywood films as a subject, the concept of love and separation has been put to death. Similarly, Hindi films often do not tick all the boxes of cultural representation, but when it does, it breaks stereotypes by imposing more stereotypes. Meenakshi Sundareswarar is a hit and miss effort in both these cases.
The characters here are from the Tamil Brahmin community, but it is clear from the beginning that the writers have shown their version of the community, rather than based on real ways. (almost the same as in 2 states). Their speech lacks authenticity and it seems that Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are Hindi speaking people who have recently learned some Tamil phrases and are desperate to show that wisdom.
The orthodox broken English did not help his purpose. And if a non-Tamilian can point it out, one can only wonder what a native speaker might feel about the representation in film.
With some engineering jokes that we have been hearing since time immemorial, the plot moves forward and takes us to Bangalore with Sundar where we meet his tyrannical boss Senthil (Sukesh Arora). A less iconic and more absurd version of the 3 Idiots virus, Our Boss Man likes bachelor employers at his company because he wants their undivided attention. Hence, Sundar has to keep his marriage a secret, though he reveals this to the entire team when he enters the office.
While, at home, Meenakshi figures out ways to keep the spark alive as she navigates through her married life with goofy but adorable in-laws. Meanwhile, her old crush enters the scene, whose sole purpose was to create a conflict that seemed a bit overwhelming and out of place.
Meenakshi and Sundareshwar’s chemistry is also hit and miss and when their marriage is almost falling apart, it is difficult to understand whether we are really rooting for them to be with us or we just don’t care. However, Sanya and Abhimanyu shine differently and are worth watching. The actress, who tries to present something new with every film, does not overplay her emotions, whether it is a scene of happiness or sorrow. She perfectly portrays the nuances of a woman who is doing too much at once. Even the scene where she imitates megastar Rajinikanth is a delight to watch.
The nervousness and honesty of Abhimanyu’s character creates some funny scenes in the film and his innocence forms a root for him. Even though we are not sure about them as a couple, we only wish the best for Sundar, played by Abhimanyu with utmost sincerity.
Having said that, the film has its moments and quirks like Sundar’s family taking the math tutor with them while visiting Meenakshi’s family or Sunder crushes Meenakshi’s palm while trying to kiss her for the first time.
The entertainment might not make for sloppy writing, but it certainly makes Meenakshi Sundareswar a fun weekend watch.
Produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, the film is currently streaming on Netflix.
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