Chai Pani Etc. (2004) User Reviews

India, full stop.

[ysh-3 · 7/10 · 22 May 2009]

A film full of humour, which reminded us a lot of the India we discovered more than ten years ago. Loved the restaurant scene - this happened to us practically every place we went to during our visit of Rajasthan. Great performances by Zafar Karachiwala and Konkona Sen Sharma. You are left to ponder whether standing up for what you think is right will actually prevent you from moving forwards in life. The film has a very autobiographical feel to it. Apparently there are three methods of attaining your means : 1) Wading through the bureaucratic labyrinth 2) Bribing your way to the top of the list 3) Relying on the influence from someone who lies above your correspondent's pay-grade

Pertinent, funny, original and obviously provocative to some.

[info-15987 · 10/10 · 30 July 2008]

Pertinent, funny, original and obviously provocative to some people. How many Indian films talk about corruption, censorship and their link with poverty - a central reality of Indian life - in a funny yet subtle manner? Neither does it pontificate about its weighty subject, like a typical holier than thou arty fare matter, nor does it resolve real life issues in the typical magical "Bollywood ishtyle". Irony, wit and intelligent humour lace this bitter sweat coming of age story about the loss of innocence. Additional highlights are the dynamic soulful soundtrack and elegant camera work that captures the timeless beauty of Jaisalmer and the reality of bureaucratic Lutyens' Delhi. Despite its subtle approach, Manu Rewal's award winning satire, wasn't given a censor certificate for seven months by the authorities and was denied the possibility of competing for the national film award on absurd grounds.