"Thai Massage" (2022), streaming on Netflix, is a refreshing departure from typical Bollywood fare, offering a heartfelt and humorous exploration of life's complexities. With a stellar cast including Gajraj Rao, Divyendu Sharma, Sunny Hinduja, Rajpal Yadav, and Anil Charanjeett, the film promises a captivating experience.
As an avid movie watcher, I was drawn to "Thai Massage" for its unconventional storyline and talented ensemble cast. Directed by Mangesh Hadawale and produced by Imtiaz Ali and Bhushan Kumar, the film follows the journey of Atmaram Dubey, a timid 70-year-old widower who embarks on a quest for intimacy in Bangkok. The narrative, while tackling sensitive themes, is inspiring and engaging, showcasing Atmaram's journey of self-discovery and challenging social norms.
The storyline of this movie reminded me of the movie " Good luck to you Leo Grande " which I watched last year in which a 60 plus lady hires a young gigolo to experience orgasm after many long years.
However, I would advise parental discretion as "Thai Massage" tackles mature themes, albeit with sensitivity and restraint. While the title may suggest otherwise, the film addresses sexual themes through broad euphemisms and discussions about love and the human experience, without featuring nudity.
The story unfolds as a 70-year-old embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging societal norms along the way. At the heart of the narrative lies a poignant dialogue from his son, reflecting on his father's resilience: "From childhood, I always believed that Babuji couldn't get hurt, couldn't feel tired, and couldn't be alone, because he's Babuji, my father." This dialogue resonates deeply, highlighting the unwavering strength and presence of the elderly.
The journey transcends mere physical travel; it delves into the exploration of both external landscapes and internal realms. It underscores the belief that goodness begets goodness, echoing the timeless adage that if you sow kindness and positivity, you reap the same in return. The movie beautifully captures the essence of its moral, reminding us to cherish and respect the emotional well-being of our elders.
This cinematic masterpiece has not only touched hearts but also transformed perspectives on the essence of a fulfilling life. It serves as a gentle reminder that everyone deserves the freedom to live authentically, unbound by societal expectations. After all, life is a precious gift, and it's up to us to live it to the fullest, embracing our true selves and nurturing our spirits.
Despite its comedic elements, "Thai Massage" tackles sensitive topics with grace and sensitivity. While addressing sexual themes and societal taboos, the film remains tasteful and thought-provoking, encouraging audiences to reconsider preconceived notions about aging and desire. I appreciate the film's boldness in portraying an older protagonist and addressing themes of love, human desires, and societal expectations.
The performances are a highlight of the film, It was wonderful to see a movie being made with the protagonist being a sixty year old man, a genuinely bold move made by the creators of the film. Gajraj Rao is a terrific actor and has done a beautiful job of shouldering the responsibility of carrying the entire film. It's just shocking to realize, that an actor like him who gives a nuanced performance every single time, has been around for more than 25 years but it's only now that people are noticing his talent.
I was quite surprised to see Divyendu Sharma portraying an extremely underwritten role in this film. Divyendu is an amazingly talented actor and by now quite a few people are aware of him thanks to 'Mirzapur', so it felt a little odd to see him play the role of Santulan in this film. Divyendu has acted very well in this film, but it never became clear as to why he was doing what he was doing in the movie. At certain points it felt like he was trying to make a fool out of Atmaram, but then he was also genuinely concerned for him and provided him with help at every single point. Also, there was something going on in his personal life with his wife as well, but that topic was just briefly mentioned and then brushed under the carpet before being brought back right at the end of the film.
Alina Zasobina gets a decent amount of screen time in the final hour of the film and has done a pretty good job in portraying the vivacious as well as serious side of Rita. Alina, who has a charming screen presence, not only adds flavour to Atmaram's life but also to the proceedings. Although I loved the messaging of the film and I completely agree that it makes no sense to confine the lives of our elders and expect them to remain forever within the boundaries created by our own regressive mindset, but a part of me also wanted Rita to make a comeback in Atmaram's life; I feel that would have been a happier ending for Atmaram.
In addition to Rao and Hinduja, Rajpal Yadav and Anil Charanjeett shine in their respective small roles, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Yadav's comedic timing and Charanjeett's nuanced portrayal add depth and authenticity to their characters, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The supporting cast, including Vibha Chhibber, Anurita Jha, Anamika Tiwari, Shashie Vermaa, Aditi Arora, and Chandan Anand, deliver commendable performances, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Music by Amit Trivedi and Joi Barua adds another layer of depth to the film, with standout tracks like "Boom Boom" enhancing the viewing experience.
Despite its bold themes, "Thai Massage" maintains a light-hearted tone throughout, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages. The film's beautiful depiction of Bangkok's landscapes, especially Khao Sok Lake, adds to its visual appeal.
Overall, "Thai Massage" is not just a film about sensual pleasure; it's a heartfelt story about breaking boundaries, cherishing life's moments, and understanding the desires of our loved ones, especially the elderly. It challenges the notion of age-appropriate behavior and reminds us to embrace life fully. It's a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of embracing life's complexities. "Thai Massage" is a must-watch for its captivating storyline, stellar performances, and meaningful message.
As an avid movie watcher, I was drawn to "Thai Massage" for its unconventional storyline and talented ensemble cast. Directed by Mangesh Hadawale and produced by Imtiaz Ali and Bhushan Kumar, the film follows the journey of Atmaram Dubey, a timid 70-year-old widower who embarks on a quest for intimacy in Bangkok. The narrative, while tackling sensitive themes, is inspiring and engaging, showcasing Atmaram's journey of self-discovery and challenging social norms.
The storyline of this movie reminded me of the movie " Good luck to you Leo Grande " which I watched last year in which a 60 plus lady hires a young gigolo to experience orgasm after many long years.
However, I would advise parental discretion as "Thai Massage" tackles mature themes, albeit with sensitivity and restraint. While the title may suggest otherwise, the film addresses sexual themes through broad euphemisms and discussions about love and the human experience, without featuring nudity.
The story unfolds as a 70-year-old embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging societal norms along the way. At the heart of the narrative lies a poignant dialogue from his son, reflecting on his father's resilience: "From childhood, I always believed that Babuji couldn't get hurt, couldn't feel tired, and couldn't be alone, because he's Babuji, my father." This dialogue resonates deeply, highlighting the unwavering strength and presence of the elderly.
The journey transcends mere physical travel; it delves into the exploration of both external landscapes and internal realms. It underscores the belief that goodness begets goodness, echoing the timeless adage that if you sow kindness and positivity, you reap the same in return. The movie beautifully captures the essence of its moral, reminding us to cherish and respect the emotional well-being of our elders.
This cinematic masterpiece has not only touched hearts but also transformed perspectives on the essence of a fulfilling life. It serves as a gentle reminder that everyone deserves the freedom to live authentically, unbound by societal expectations. After all, life is a precious gift, and it's up to us to live it to the fullest, embracing our true selves and nurturing our spirits.
Despite its comedic elements, "Thai Massage" tackles sensitive topics with grace and sensitivity. While addressing sexual themes and societal taboos, the film remains tasteful and thought-provoking, encouraging audiences to reconsider preconceived notions about aging and desire. I appreciate the film's boldness in portraying an older protagonist and addressing themes of love, human desires, and societal expectations.
The performances are a highlight of the film, It was wonderful to see a movie being made with the protagonist being a sixty year old man, a genuinely bold move made by the creators of the film. Gajraj Rao is a terrific actor and has done a beautiful job of shouldering the responsibility of carrying the entire film. It's just shocking to realize, that an actor like him who gives a nuanced performance every single time, has been around for more than 25 years but it's only now that people are noticing his talent.
I was quite surprised to see Divyendu Sharma portraying an extremely underwritten role in this film. Divyendu is an amazingly talented actor and by now quite a few people are aware of him thanks to 'Mirzapur', so it felt a little odd to see him play the role of Santulan in this film. Divyendu has acted very well in this film, but it never became clear as to why he was doing what he was doing in the movie. At certain points it felt like he was trying to make a fool out of Atmaram, but then he was also genuinely concerned for him and provided him with help at every single point. Also, there was something going on in his personal life with his wife as well, but that topic was just briefly mentioned and then brushed under the carpet before being brought back right at the end of the film.
Alina Zasobina gets a decent amount of screen time in the final hour of the film and has done a pretty good job in portraying the vivacious as well as serious side of Rita. Alina, who has a charming screen presence, not only adds flavour to Atmaram's life but also to the proceedings. Although I loved the messaging of the film and I completely agree that it makes no sense to confine the lives of our elders and expect them to remain forever within the boundaries created by our own regressive mindset, but a part of me also wanted Rita to make a comeback in Atmaram's life; I feel that would have been a happier ending for Atmaram.
In addition to Rao and Hinduja, Rajpal Yadav and Anil Charanjeett shine in their respective small roles, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Yadav's comedic timing and Charanjeett's nuanced portrayal add depth and authenticity to their characters, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The supporting cast, including Vibha Chhibber, Anurita Jha, Anamika Tiwari, Shashie Vermaa, Aditi Arora, and Chandan Anand, deliver commendable performances, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Music by Amit Trivedi and Joi Barua adds another layer of depth to the film, with standout tracks like "Boom Boom" enhancing the viewing experience.
Despite its bold themes, "Thai Massage" maintains a light-hearted tone throughout, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages. The film's beautiful depiction of Bangkok's landscapes, especially Khao Sok Lake, adds to its visual appeal.
Overall, "Thai Massage" is not just a film about sensual pleasure; it's a heartfelt story about breaking boundaries, cherishing life's moments, and understanding the desires of our loved ones, especially the elderly. It challenges the notion of age-appropriate behavior and reminds us to embrace life fully. It's a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of embracing life's complexities. "Thai Massage" is a must-watch for its captivating storyline, stellar performances, and meaningful message.