Main Actor Nahi Hoon REVIEW: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Chitrangada Satarupa’s Honest Attempt At Showing The Ugly Side Of Showbiz Falls Flat

Film:
Main Actor Nahi Hoon

Director: Aditya Kripalani

Writers: Aditya Kripalani

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Chitrangada Satarupa

Platform: In Theatres

Runtime: 

Main Actor Nahi Hoon Review

Written and directed by Aditya Kriplani, Main Actor Nahin Hoon is a slow-paced and dialogue-driven film between a struggling actress in Mumbai and a retired banker in Frankfurt. The film – starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Chitrangada Satarupa, takes place all in a day and features the lead actors sharing the darkest secrets of their lives over videos calls and messages.

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The film centres on Mouni Roy (Chitrangada Satarupa), a struggling actress who sells non-fragranced soaps to support her dreams and preserve the art of acting without being tempted to do commercial projects and chasing fame. During an audition for an international project, she meets Adnan Baig (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a retired banker in his mid-50s who is grapples with depression as he now has nothing to do now.

The chance encounter – that had them perform an intense, emotion-heavy scene over a video call, soon translates into an entire day on conversation as Adnan is mesmerised by Mouni’s acting and wants learn how to become an actor from her. Amidst some nok-jhok, irritable acting classes, and heart wrenching confessions, Mouni and Adnan find themselves bonding. But does this bond help them nail their audition? OR does it translate into something else?

Read our review before you book your ticket and head to theatres to watch Main Actor Nahi Hoon.

What Works

Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s acting (alas, it isn’t enough)

What Doesn’t Work

The story, the way it’s handles, the emotions, the edit….

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Technical Analysis

At its core, Main Actor Nahi Hoon shows the stark difference between a chaotic and crowded Mumbai and the planned, uncrowded and quite Franfurt. It also showcases how financial security helps one live life to the fullest and overlook some privileges while others have to struggle years-on-years only to be able to collect rent. However, it fails to connect with the viewers at large and the bond seems too superficial despite the narrative suggesting its deep.

The music – given by Aditi Ramesh, Amlan Ray and Rabbi Shergill, enhances the story, but doesn’t help much. The film feels too stretched, to the point that you are at risk of dozing off during the first half.

Star Cast

Nawazuddin Siddiqui never disappoints when it comes to acting, and the statement still stands true. Nawaz excels as Adnan – a single father, who left his home in India in search of a good life abroad. He flawlessly depicts the inner turmoil of the character as he navigates depression, having to find a purpose in life in his 50s and old wounds that a just a scratch away from bleeding again.

Chitrangada Satarupa as Mouni is mystery, cynical and aloof. While Chitrangada manages to bring these emotions to life and show us just how layered Mouni is, she fails to form a connection with her performance. Not to blame her totally (it’s the way the character is written too), but there are moment where the moment you are getting invested, her character arc fluctuates so bad that she’s pulled 10 ft away from you.

Conclusion

Honestly, I went in to the cinema hall expecting to be blow away with another small-budget, but impactful Nawazuddin Siddiqui title. However, all the enthusiasm quickly plummeted into weariness as the film kept dragging and got me close to snoozing a couple of times. Not my cup of tea, but it is sure to click with select indie film lovers.

Watch the trailer of Main Actor Nahi Hoon here:

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Also Read: Raja Shivaji REVIEW: Riteish Deshmukh’s Earnest Efforts To Tell The Courageous Story Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Is Visible Despite Major Setbacks

Grinell Jacinto

With nearly 10 years of experience, Grinell Esther Jacinto is the Desk Head of Bollywood Bubble. Her interests lie in everything that is kaleshi and she loves to dig deeper into the lives of B-town actors. She has a problem though – she loves horror films but will have chills the minute the theatres lights dims. She’s previously worked with Koimoi, UrbanAsian and SpotboyE.