Shiv Shastri Balboa Movie Review Both Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta tackle their troubles with great enthusiasm, and you can’t help but root for them when they clash.
Shiv Shastri (Kher), a middle-aged former banker from Bhopal, arrives in America, all set to start a new inning. His doctor son (Hansraj) has done well for himself with a wife, two sons, a neat suburban home, and all the trappings of success. As he begins to find his footing in a foreign country, all Shastri wishes is to run up those stairs in the Pennsylvania building the way the very famous Rocky Balboa did in that very famous boxing movie Sly Stallone was turned into one. Global star.
For fanboy Shastri, ‘Rocky’ is not just a film, but a philosophy he has deeply imbibed: An underdog can be a top dog.
His meeting with Elsa-Hyderabad (Gupta), who works as a housekeeper in the neighborhood, allows him to escape from the loneliness of the elder’s attack.
He soon learns that Elsa, like him, has a wish, but of a different kind. She hasn’t been back to India in eight long years, because the Indian family she serves pays her so little (so what’s new?), and it’s taken her so long to put some money aside. Will Shastriji be kind enough to help him get tickets?
And so begins a road trip during which the two face challenges (a handbag is stolen), meet a kind stranger (Hashmi), struggle with racism (a biker gang threatens them with their sight), are placed in), and learn a few lessons.
The proceedings are predictable, but the film’s affection for its leads is infectious. Kher and Gupta face their troubles with glee, and you cannot help but root for them as they clash.
Shiv Shastri Balboa movie casting
Not everything works: A sequence in a cheesy bar-cum-pick-up-joint, where fugitives arrive for some R&R, is pure cringe. A pug who has the ability to pour his thoughts into a bubble, much of the first half laughs, loses that ability after the interval. Which cat got the tongue? But it’s good to see Hansraj back, even if it’s not a big role, and Hashmi, as a wannabe-rapper-cum-grocery-store-owner, is as likable as ever.
You can do whatever you want, as long as you want it enough. And senior citizens can have fun too. The message is not new. It’s a bumper sticker, yes, but it’s also pretty light and likable.
| Shiv Shastri Balboa movie casting | Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Sharib Hashmi, Jugal Hansraj |
| Director of Shiv Shastri Balboa’s movie | Ajayan Venugopalan |
| Rating of Shiv Shastri Balboa movie | 2.5 stars |
FAQS
What is the release date of ‘Shiv Shastri Balboa’?
The release date of Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta starrer ‘Shiv Shastri Balboa’ is 2023-02-10.
Who are the stars of ‘Shiv Shastri Balboa’?
Shiv Shastri Balboa’s star cast includes Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Jugal Hansraj, and Nargis Fakhri.
Who is the director of ‘Shiv Shastri Balboa’?
‘Shiva Shastri Balboa’ is directed by Ajayan Venugopalan.
Who is the producer of ‘Shiv Shastri Balboa’?
‘Shiv Shastri Balboa’ is produced by Kishore Varith.