What the Fish (2013)

What the Fish (2013): A Quirky and Humorous Bollywood Adventure

Introduction:

What the Fish is a 2013 Bollywood adventure comedy-drama that distinguishes itself with a quirky story, fresh narrative style, and a cast of characters that bring a feel-good vibe to Indian cinema. Directed by Faraz Haider and written by Manu Rishi Chadha, the film is a laugh-out-loud rollercoaster exploring the chaotic consequences of life when things don’t go as planned.

Plot Summary:

The film unfolds through the simple premise of a house rental that turns into a comical labyrinth of surprises. Sudha Mishra, played by the indomitable Diana Penty, is a no-nonsense woman who rents out her house to earn some extra money while she is away. Her rules are strict: no pets allowed, and tenants must respect the home’s order. However, the tenants who occupy her house one after another are anything but ordinary, each bringing their own brand of chaos and hilarity.

With each tenant featuring unique quirks and problematic issues, the house becomes a hub of comic misadventures involving a runaway fish tank and a menagerie of surprises that complicate Sudha's life. The story portrays the absurdities and unexpected encounters in a way that is both entertaining and mildly satirical of urban living complexities.

Main Cast and Crew:

• Diana Penty as Sudha Mishra – Diana’s charming and wholesome portrayal anchors the film beautifully, providing a relatable point amidst the chaos.
• Manu Rishi Chadha – Apart from writing the screenplay of the film, he also appears as one of the characters who add to the comedy and drama.
• Naresh Gosain – Adds significant depth to the supporting cast, helping maintain the high energy and humor.
• Director: Faraz Haider – Known for infusing humor with heart, Faraz delivers a film that feels light yet meaningful, presenting the situations with smart wit and timing.
• Writer: Manu Rishi Chadha – His screenplay is crafted with sharp dialogues and comedic sequences that keep the audience engaged throughout the film.

Genre and Style:

The film is an adventurous comedy-drama in the Hindi language, combining elements of slapstick humor and situational comedy. It captures the essence of urban Indian life through a satirical lens, focusing on human quirks, relationships, and the unpredictability of life.

Music and Songs:

Unlike many mainstream Bollywood films, What the Fish does not rely heavily on musical numbers to tell its story. Instead, it uses a background score that accentuates the comedic timing and emotional beats of the narrative without overshadowing the dialogue or plot progression.

While the movie does not feature traditional song-and-dance numbers starring playback singers, the music is composed to keep up with the movie’s pace and tone, successfully complementing the storyline.

Critical Reception and Impact:

Upon its release, What the Fish received mixed to positive reviews, with audiences appreciating its fresh concept and engaging storyline. The film was praised for its interesting premise and the natural performance of its actors, especially Diana Penty, whose transition from a glamorous model and actress to a girl-next-door character was well-received.

The film’s humor was considered quirky and offbeat, striking a chord with viewers looking for Indian films that stepped away from formulas and predictable plots. Its light-hearted adventure combined with the relatability of everyday struggles lent it appeal among urban youth and audiences keen on comedy-dramas with a touch of absurdity.

Conclusion:

What the Fish is an interesting addition to the genre of Hindi comedy and adventure films. It showcases how a simple premise can be transformed into an entertaining narrative filled with eccentric characters, day-to-day dilemmas, and humorous twists. Directed by Faraz Haider and penned by Manu Rishi Chadha, the movie stands out for its unique storytelling style and the spirited performance of its cast.

For anyone looking to explore Hindi cinema beyond the usual Bollywood extravaganza, this film offers a refreshing mix of comedy, drama, and relatable human moments. It reminds us how life’s unpredictable moments — much like a fish out of water — turn into stories worth telling and laughing about.

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