Karnataka - Bangalore

A hotchpotch affair

Mixed Doubles (Hindi)

Director: Rajat Kapoor

Cast: Rajat Kapoor, Koel Puri, Ranveer Shorey, Konkona Sen Sharma, Naseeruddin Shah, Saurabh Shukla

AS THE opening sequence of Mixed Doubles rolls by, one can't help but feel that there just might be something here.

After all, there is certain chemistry between Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranvir Shorey that is as rare in Indian cinema as an aesthetic appeal in Mallika Sherawat's films.

Their not-quite-happily-married routine flows off fairly effectively and realistically.

Then, the main plot gets introduced. Sunil (Ranvir), who is dissatisfied with his sex life, turns to swinging (wife-swapping) to "rescue" his marriage. As can only be expected, the film degenerates into a frustrating mix of random inanity and sexist boisterousness. The various actors, for example, turn more and more farcical as the film progresses, retreating to repetitive reaction patterns to avoid the effort of fleshing out their characters. Koel Puri's character, in particular, comes across as typical adolescent tripe.

But, Mixed Doubles cannot be banished to the suburbs of Howlerville inhabited by true squibs like Rockford. While the plot itself stinks to high heaven, there are a few things that come to its rescue. The cinematography, for instance, is quite amazing, and almost the entire film is beautifully composed. Added to this is a great soundtrack that achieves that envious goal of blending perfectly into one's subconscious. And who in this world can keep from getting lost in Konkona's unconventional grace.

R. M

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