Those not familiar with the mechanics of feature film making may get irked by the alternative scenes of late Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal in this movie. To the uninitiated I might mention that movies are not shot in a sequence as per the screenplay starting from scene one due to requirements of sets for various scenes. For example the shooting may commence with scene 12 and go on to scene 17, 25, 37 etc etc in that order. Audiences may have expected that the first 70% of the film has been shot with Rishi Kapoor and the last 30% of the film will feature Paresh Rawal which is not the case. Nevertheless this swan song of Rishi Kapoor is a delightful family entertainer inspite of two actors playing the same role. In a highly relatable role Rishi plays a just retired 50 plus employee who finds it difficult to adjust to the new routine in which he has plenty of time on his hands with nothing to do. This he finds very irritating. He has two grown up sons the elder of whom keeps pestering him to sell their house and relocate to a better neighbourhood in Gurugram. Among the job options suggested to Rishi by friends to keep him occupied the one by friend Satish Kaushik requires him to become a part time cook in kitty parties. Rishi at first refuses then reluctantly takes up this on a trial basis but soon he starts enjoying the work and finds it fulfilling. But things don't go smooth because his elder son is not happy with this development and he is tied up with personal problems. Rishi is his charming and adorable self with his trademark sweaters but the romance is replaced with confusion and embarrassment as he he deals with the aunties who have got together for a good time. Paresh and Juhi Chawla are good as usual. To say that the change over of the actors in alternate scenes is seamless and non jerky would not be a correct statement. I feel that a few scenes could have been reshot with Paresh for better continuity. All the same audiences will take it in good spirit in memory of our beloved Chintu.
Review of Sharmaji Namkeen
