Nautanki Saala! Ayushmann Khurrana in the Most Underrated Dramedy

When browsing through Ayushmann Khurrana's roster of impressively versatile movies, ranging from pure action to comedy and symbolic, I landed on something in between that I had watched way back in 2013 - Nautanki Saala!

Since I've forgotten how this movie played out, I was expecting a drama-heavy comedy with a few throwaway gags. But as I watched it, I was blown away by how good this movie actually was and why it didn't become as popular as it should have been.

So here is a breakdown of the movie, why it's so great, and what makes it so awesome.

The Plot of Nautanki Saala!

A theater/classical stage actor, Ram Parmar ( Ayushmann ), of some success and repute spots a stranger ( Mandar ) trying to hang himself in the middle of a Mumbai street late at night. Shocked by such a sight, he immediately stops this and brings him home to his apartment, where his fuming girlfriend is waiting for him on her birthday.

This kicks off an immediate set of events that start with Ram losing almost everything in his life and Mandar Lele ( Kunaal Roy Kapur ) sucking the life and good luck right out his benefactor, getting his life back on track.

Of course, as all hilarious stories ( JK! ), the narration to this tale begins with Ram at his psychiatrist's office, and it may or may not end in the same way.

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Ram Parmar kicks things into gear immediately, trying to help the stranger immediately, setting things right in Mandar's effed up life despite his girlfriend's warning Ram about getting caught between the hospital and police station.

While Ram doesn't get caught between either, his own good nature shows us why no good deed goes unpunished.

The Cast

Ayushmann Khurrana is undoubtedly the star of this movie, but since a hero is only as good as the Big Bad, or in this case, the foil, Kunaal Roy Kapur, who embodies the most pathetic of people under even worse circumstances.

Pooja Salvi as Nandini Patel, Mandar's lost love, does a praiseworthy job of portraying someone in the midst of romantic turmoil. This turmoil was obviously kicked off by the pathetic Mandar Lele, who spreads misfortune in his wake.

Evelyn Sharma as Seetha does a lot with what little she's been given in terms of her role and looks amazing doing it.

Gaelyn Mendonca as Chitra plays the troubled girlfriend of Ram Parmar, who, as she says, is caught in the vicious circle of her altruistic boyfriend helping strangers and her facing the fallout while still being attracted to his noble nature.

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There is a delightful cameo by Abhishek Bacchhan, which is fun and fits in well with the plot.

Nautanki Saala! uses awkward situations as a plot device to mould the story into something that is lively and without any dull moments.

Symbolism in Nautanki Saala

Rohan Sippy's direction gives us symbolism that isn't exactly subtle, with Ram Parmar playing the role of Ravana on stage, and Ravana both literally and metaphorically helping the pathetic Mandar Lele become Ram on stage and in life as well.

Also, Ram Parmar prefers to be called RP, which could also stand for Role Play, which he does constantly as the tough guy with the heart of gold.

One scene is pure comedy gold, where Mandar Lele emerges from a steamy shower trying to swat a fly, but Ram visualizes that moment with Mandar as someone who could fill the role of Shri Rama, while RP's girlfriend is using the teaching to fish metaphor for Mandar simultaneously.

There are countless moments like this that I won't ruin, but I can assure you that while constantly smiling, if not laughing, at this beautiful comedy of errors.

Reality Check

What makes this such a great movie is also what makes it necessary to do a quick reality check of the modern-day fairy tale.

Firstly, the current-day realistic equivalent of what would happen in such a situation would be that even if your own mother is contemplating suicide, and calling you non-stop, you probably won't pick up the call until she is already in the hospital, and then pretend like its a tragedy and that you had nothing to do with it.

Secondly, the understanding girlfriend myth - in a real-life scenario, she would probably use such a situation to file a false police case to extort money while the going is good.

What is believable, however, is that complete strangers might help you more than your siblings or relatives. Life works in mysterious ways like that.

Also, all your immediate family members who attend the funeral of your dead mother will probably attend the last rites. In contrast, your closest ones will most probably try to break into your house to get their hands on anything and everything of value, while pretending to be devastated.

The chances of the non-descript psychiatrist/therapist/psychologist helping you are astronomically higher than your "loved ones" who remain even to answer your call, let alone visit you at your lowest.

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What will follow next are the creditors of your deceased who come up from nowhere to ask for money that you clearly are not liable for - a rite of passage for the surviving family after the last rites.

Cinematography, Production Value, and Sheer Style

One of the aspects that makes this movie worth watching is the production value and style of storytelling that is comparable to Hollywood movies in terms of lighting, set design, and music.

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This movie is, in fact, played out like a musical with musical numbers playing back to back, with a great background score and even better songs that help the storytelling greatly.

The lighting and set design are used beautifully to accentuate the scene and help make the point clearly.

Should You Watch This? Absolutely!

This movie is a best-case scenario of the good that people are capable of in a situation of strife and struggle. It is pleasant, with cynicism being kept to a minimum, and has plenty of jokes to go around while keeping a gentle hold on reality.

Yes, the movie does end on a happy note for everyone and is a great way to boost your spirits and help you see the good in people, even if sometimes it's just not there.

Nautanki Saala! tells you to trust in the good of the people around you in no uncertain terms, with several scenarios playing out with a generous helping of comedy and running gags that will draw a smile from the sternest of faces. Watch it for a good time!