Max, Min And Meowzaki REVIEW: Siddharth Menon, Adil Hussain Starrer About 2nd Chances Is Full Of Warmth, Honesty And Self Discovery

Film:
Max, Min And Meowzaki

Director: Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy

Writer: Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy

Cast: Adil Hussain, Mandira Bedi, Nassar, Naifsa Ali, Siddharth Menon, Medha Shankr, Vidhatri Bandi

Platform: In Theatres

Max, Min And Meowzaki Review

Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy’s Max, Min and Meowzaki is all about family, forgiveness and giving oneself second changes. The story begins after Max (Siddharth Menon), a voice actor, jingle singer and rock artist, and his filmmaker girlfriend Min (Medha Shankar) decide to part ways. While they split, the only thing left to settle is the custody of their beloved cat, Meowzaki. After a little discussion, Max – who recently lost his mother Vasudha (Gitanjali Rao), is left with Meowzaki. It’s to be noted that Max is allergic to fur and is on heavy steroids to live witht he feline.

Aside from Max, we are also introduced to his conservative father Ramesh (Adil Hussain), who battles loneliness and insomnia since the death of his wife. He now finds an unexpected emotional connection with therapist Dhaara (Mandira Bedi). This family’s patriarch Max’s grandfather Sridhar (Nassar), who lives close to his son and grandson but in a nursing home. Here, the once-renowned Carnic singer rediscovers joy and companionship through his friendship with Jennifer Sequeira (Nafisa Ali).

As the story unfolds, we are introduced to cat-sitter Carol (Vidhatri Bandi) and slowly see how she become an important part of Max’s healing journey. This feel good film beautifully explores topics such as grief, generational trauma, flawed parenting and being prejudice of other religious without being preachy or glorifying them. Scroll belwo to read our review and know why you should watch it this weekend.

What Works

The simple story and honest acting by the entire cast

What Doesn’t Work

The second half seems a little rushed and the film over all seems too small (normally a good, but here a bad as you want more.)

Technical Analysis

The second half seem a little rush and a few scenes appear clumsy in their execution. The writing is also rushed, especially when it comes to Hussain’s Ramesh and how he mends his relationship with both Max and Sridhar. The movie – which stars as something charming and will having doing ‘awws’ in the first half soon turns emotional.

Star Cast

Siddharth Menon delivers a heartfelt performance as Max and manages to appear both vulnerability and restraint without overdoing it. Adil Hussain is an amazing actor and he’s proved that once again by playing the flawed father Ramesh with remarkable honesty. Nassar plays a pivotal role role but has very little screen time.

Mandira Bedi brings warmth and maturity as Dhaara. Nafisa Ali leaves a lasting impression, however a we wish the maker had written in some more of her cheerful presence and bond with Sridhar. Just like Mandira and Nafisa, Medha Shankar and Vidhatri Bandi also play pivotal roles but seem to be present on screen for a little lesser than we would have hope. Medha as Min is graceful and loyal while still trying to move forward while Vidhatri’s Carol is fun, carefree but still thoughtful in unexpected ways.

Titular character Meowzaki hold his own among these actors.

Conclusion

Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy’s Max, Min and Meowzaki isn’t a big-budget, spectacle film, it’s a raw, grounded and real film about an everyday family. If touches upon topics and issues we usually lookover. Do head to theatres to watch this film of second chances, love, honesty and self discovery. And make sure to watch it once again when it releases on OTT.

Watch the trailer of Max, Min And Meowzaki here:

Also Read: Ikka REVIEW: Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna’s Courtroom Drama Has Substance But Lacks Conviction

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.