'Aachar And Co.' (2023) Review: A Sweet, Nostalgic Journey To Bangalore's Past

In a world where time is marked by relentless technological advancement and rapid cultural shifts, Aachar and Co. takes us on a heartwarming journey back to the simpler times of the 1960s and 1970s in old Bangalore. Directed by Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, known for her comedic flair, and co-written with her fellow comedian friend Kanan Gill, the film is a lighthearted dramedy that taps into the essence of familial bonds, dreams, and the challenges of breaking societal molds.

Set against the backdrop of a bygone era, Aachar and Co. introduces us to the Aachar family, where Madhusudhan Aachar, a civil engineer with a prestigious government job, presides as the patriarch. His enviable job and position have given him a big, beautiful house, an Ambassador car, domestic workers, and a driver. His wife, Savithri, and their ten children—three sons and seven daughters—collectively represent the era’s quintessential family structure. Each family member comes with their own distinct dreams and personalities, navigating an intricate web of expectations and aspirations. The movie beautifully captures the visual aesthetics of the past, with scenes that paint a vivid picture of old Bangalore. The deserted main roads lined with trees and house entrances decorated with beautiful kolam designs are sure to remind the audience of their ancestral homes. Women in graceful cotton and silk sarees with strings of jasmine flowers adorning their braided hair and men sporting thick mustaches and glasses transport the audience to the times their elders fondly reminisce. It’s as if the film unearths a treasure trove of memories, offering a glimpse into an era marked by strong familial ties and an appreciation for simple joys.

At the heart of the story lies Suma, portrayed with grace by Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, who finds herself unexpectedly shouldering the responsibility of her household and younger siblings after the demise of her father and brother. Despite her dreams of marrying an educated and well-settled man in London, circumstances force Suma to take charge. Jealous of her older sister Sheela’s beauty and an opportunity at a better life in the US, she grapples with taking up a job to sustain herself and feels a lot of hesitation and embarrassment. Her journey from being a 10th-grade dropout to embracing a job and facing life’s challenges head-on forms the crux of the story. While Aachar and Co. excels in capturing the essence of the 1960s, it sometimes falters in balancing its numerous elements. The story’s attempt to encompass various themes and character arcs occasionally leaves certain aspects feeling rushed, diminishing the emotional depth and connection viewers crave. Particularly in Suma’s struggles, the film struggles to fully engage the audience, preventing a deeper empathy for her sacrifices and dreams. Ultimately, when she does find her calling in pickle-making, the story does her a disservice in that it doesn’t showcase her decision and journey toward making that a large-scale, women-led business venture.

Despite these occasional missteps, the film deftly addresses pertinent societal issues of the time, such as harassment, domestic violence, and women’s evolving roles within middle-class families. The narrative sheds light on the subtle yet impactful shift towards women entering the workforce and even venturing into entrepreneurship. For those who’ve heard tales of their female relatives breaking free from societal constraints or have been through it themselves, the film will resonate on a personal level.

The casting in Aachar and Co. deserves a special mention, with each actor breathing life into their characters with utmost sincerity. Anirudh Acharya’s portrayal of Jaggu, an aspiring theater actor, shines with infectious enthusiasm, while the gossiping neighborhood aunties (played by Kalpana Rao, Shilpa Rudrappa, and Sonu Venugopal), charmingly referred to as the BBC by the narrator, inject a delightful dose of humor. Vamsidhar Bhogaraju, who plays Sudheendra, does well as the dutiful older son who constantly finds himself berated by his domineering father, no matter how much he tries to please him. Harshil Koushik’s sensitive portrayal of Raghu, the second brother, tugs at the heartstrings, inspiring a feeling of indelible warmth. When Sudhee deserts him to take up a job in Delhi, Raghu rises to the occasion to be the new head of the family and does his best to give his siblings the best of everything. When chided by his wife for his rude tone toward Suma, Raghu is sensitive enough to go and apologize to her. The camaraderie between Suma and Jaggu is palpable in several scenes, but especially in the one where, after a boring dinner of lemon rice, they raid the snack cupboard to gorge on laddoos, chaklis, and even Horlicks powder. It will resonate with anyone who has shared midnight munchies with their siblings. Yet, amidst these standout performances, certain characters, like Savithri, the matriarch, and Arati, Jaggu’s wife and double Ph.D. holder, feel underdeveloped, relegated to the background without their voices fully explored.

The film’s technical aspects contribute significantly to its nostalgic charm. Cinematographer Abhimanyu Sadanandan masterfully captures the essence of Bangalore’s past, a slow-paced city teeming with simplicity before it became a bustling IT hub as it is today. Costume designer Inchara Suresh’s meticulous attention to detail shines through as she adorns characters with apparel that effortlessly transports us to our own family photo albums. Bindumalini’s melodies in the film not only complement the narrative but also capture the soul of Bangalore’s culture. The rendition of the Bangalore Suprabatham at the beginning is sure to make you chuckle and will linger long after the credits roll, adding an evocative layer to the film’s emotional resonance.

In conclusion, Aachar and Co. offers a sweet and endearing family entertainer that takes you on a journey through time. While it may stumble occasionally in weaving its complex tapestry of characters and themes, its heart remains firmly in the right place. This film is an invitation to embrace the past, to remember the stories your grandparents and parents shared, and to reflect on the enduring power of family bonds in an ever-changing world. So, gather your loved ones, sit back, and relive the nostalgia of a bygone era with Aachar and Co.

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