Life Is Good movie review: The ‘Anand’ of life and the joy of cinema wrapped in the arms of hope

Life Is Good movie review

A pious heartfelt tribute to life and the magic of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s cinema, director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan (Gour Hari Dastaan: The Freedom File, The Storyteller, Bittersweet, Mee Sindhutai Sapkal) fame filmmaker from social dramas shifts gears to deliver a life assuring message of hope.

Life Is Good is an intimate investigation of the human condition. A unique slice of life that moves with times, a profound coming of age that values both life and death with dignity.

A clean, family movie watching experience that is filled with positivity and life, Director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan on Sujit Sen’s original story (reported to be inspired from Sujit Sen’s personal diaries which was handed over to Ananth Narayan Mahadevan before his death). The writer of iconic films like Arth (1982) and Saaransh (1984) mentioned how his little niece inspired and motivated him to live and how he developed a deep and enduring friendship with her, Ananth Narayan Mahadevan has been reportedly quoted by TOI.

Coming back to Life Is Good, co written by Varsha Jain, Ravi Mahadevan and narrated by the seasoned Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, the movie is an example on how to constantly keep tugging the audience heart strings with simple day to day routines, it’s pious and heartfelt and sentimental to the core.

The pure divine friendship, bonding with the dost’s – Rameshwar and Mishti is so pure, the understanding between Mishti’s aunt - played by Suneeta Sen Gupta and Rameshwar is something unique and out of routine. The care for his colleague by Rameshwar’s boss played by Rajit Kapur and the short cameo by the tortoise – dude insists that you take certain life assuring things back home after leaving the theaters.

Life Is Good moves with an engagingly poetic pace laced with a feel of tenderness throughout and that’s a hallmark of a fine story teller like Ananth Narayan Mahadevan.

Life Is Good is filled with heartwarming moments. Mentioning over here will work as a spoiler.

Performance

Jackie Shroff is exceptional; the actor brings a dignified rare subtlety in his performance as Rameshwar. In a class of his own, Jackie Shroff gives a memorable performance; Rameshwar will be remembered as one of Jackie Shroff’s most nuanced performance.

Suneeta Sen Gupta, as Mishti’s aunt is fantastic.

A special shout for the Misthi’s is a must.

To begin with Saniya – the six year old bundle of talent sets the mood.

Perfectly followed by the lovely thirteen year old Ananya and Ankita as the grown up Mishti is endearing.

Rajit Kapur is marvelous.

Technicalities

Alphonse Roy’s cinematography is eye popping. Background Score by Ajit Varman is apt. Sound Design by Bhagat Singh Rathore is fine. Art direction by R Varman is pleasing.

Music

Abhishek Ray’s soothing, mesmerizing music perfectly blends with the theme. Bairi Badra is a take home material without any doubt.

Flaws

Darshan Jariwala’s part as Peepu Uncle is half baked. Mohan Kapur’s part as Mishti’s father should have had more footage. Darshan Jariwala is passable. Mohan Kapur is strictly okay. Saanand Varma had nothing much to do.

Final words

Rajesh Khanna in Anand said, “zindagi badi honi chahiye lambi mahi”, wise people always say “ count your blessings”,  Life Is Good asks us to enjoy the joy of life with a positive attitude and accept death of your loved one’s as a gratitude with dignity. Remember what Roberto Benigni’s 1997 magical sensation “Life Is Beautiful” – the masterpiece that won the Cannes and Oscars that year said, “ Whatever name you say, it will disappear one day”.  Do don,t miss this beautiful gem.