Online streaming platform Netflix has been doling out quality content for the Indian audience for quite some time. It has an array of entertaining content in many languages across several genres, and it releases new content every month for its viewers. While audiences go to Netflix for its selection of international shows, some of the most successful ventures of Netflix are made in Hindi.
Netflix ropes in talented and renowned actors such as Radhika Apte, Vicky Kaushal, Manisha Koirala, Bhumi Pednekar and Kiara Advani. The brightest shining star among them is the versatile Nawazuddin Siddiqui who has delivered many hits with Netflix India.
His most recent Netflix hits are Sacred Games and Raat Akeli Hai. From a gangster in the former to an investigative police officer in the latter, the talented actor has essayed diverse roles in his Netflix collaborations. The most recent such collaboration is the film ‘Serious Men’, in which the actor continues to win hearts with his impeccable acting skills.
The plot of the film is inspired from a Manu Joseph novel which tells the story of Ayyan Mani, a Dalit assistant to a Brahmin scientist. After being called names by his employer for years, Ayyan decides to cook up a false story of his son’s ingenuity and gain respect in the society. Directed by Sudhir Mishra, the film revolves around Siddiqui’s portrayal of the angry common man.
Nawazuddin’s Ayyan is a complicated character. He is angry at the society for oppressing him and making him feel worthless because of his caste. Even in a modern world, Ayyan is expected to stay within his limits as a Dalit man who has to work 9 to 5 to make ends meet. His ambitions that were never realized are transferred upon his son who he portrays as a science genius. The movie shows a clear portrayal of parents who have high expectations from their children but do want them to go through what they have faced in their lives.
The film takes a satirical and sarcastic take on the hilarious situations of a common man and the Indian society. Ayyan, who schemes and plots to move up in the hierarchy, displays the dreams that men see for themselves but could never fulfill because of an established socio-economic order. There is a degree of rage in Ayyan against the society and its hierarchy that viewers can relate to. The crooked nature of the society justifies Ayyan’s con.
There is a smooth flow to the film despite the subject and scenes revolving around social disruption and the chaotic life of today. Nawazuddin shines with his effortless portrayal of the lead protagonist, displaying a wide gamut of emotions and nuances of his character Ayyan. With his realistic acting skills, he has the ability to convince the audience of the character’s existence. One relates with Ayyan even while disagreeing with some of his views.
Serious Men is a satire on the social hierarchy that exists in India even today and is a mirror of the harsh reality of life where most people are stuck in one place without the potential of realizing their ambitions.
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