Shuttlecock Boys: A Film With Undying Spirit

Movie: Shuttlecock Boys

Director: Hemant Gaba

Cast: Aakar Kaushik, Manish Nawani, Alok Kumar and Vijay Prateek

Rating: ***1/2

In an industry pioneered by the Khans and the Kapoors, it’s very unlikely to see an honest, heartwarming film that can inspire and leave you with a smile. Thanks to the era of rising indie filmmakers such as Q, Sudhish Kamath, Karan Gour and many more we’re presented with quality films sans superstars or legends that are capable of touching thousands of hearts, if and only if we support them. Add Hemant Gaba to that list and his debut picture ‘Shuttlecock Boys’, which not only succeeds in entertaining but presents a sincere message that you may want to embrace.

‘Shuttlecock Boys’ is a story of every household, so commonly known to us that it instantaneously connects with one

and all. The film is about four friends – Gaurav, Manav, Loveleen and Pankaj with a dream to achieve but barely any kind of support. Powered by hope they embark on a journey that will change the course of their lives forever.

The strength of this film lies in its unexaggerated presentation. Hemant as a filmmaker doesn’t innovate but leaves his characters to do the magic with their performance. With a plot as simple as you could’ve ever imagined, SB triumphs with honest storytelling. What I really like about this film is its ability to encompass and bring forth the mirror image of a life most of us are living. The life that we think we are happy with but deep down inside we hate it. This film awakens that part of your life which’s been in deep slumber all this time.

Hemant also successfully storms in to the aspirational life of Indian middle class, around which all his characters are sketched. Through the eyes of the four protagonists you see the world we all aspire to see. As a viewer you empathize with the characters and that works in the favor of the film as it keeps you hooked and cheering till the last minute. More importantly, I loved how Hemant used badminton as a backdrop to shape his story. I’m positive when you watch the film you’d love and appreciate his brilliance with respect to this.

If Hemant was the charioteer of this film then his characters were the chariot, and they make this ride a smooth

experience with their performance. I don’t know if these actors have any acting background but they fit the bill perfectly. They weren’t expected to be top class actors because their roles needed them to be just like the way most of us are in life. Another plus point of this film is its music which is exhilarating and adds spark to the film. Kudos to Avinash Baghel, his music elevates the undying attitude and spirit of the film.  For most part, it keeps playing like an anthem in the background and breathes life in to the film.
Finally, it all boils down to one man – Hemant Gaba for nurturing this dream of his in to an inspirational feature presentation. The film had its own weak moments but it doesn’t matter when the overall output has been beyond satisfaction. In essence; ‘Shuttlecock Boys’ is a film that keeps hope alive and sends you back home with glee on your face.

P.S: The mention of few indie filmmakers doesn’t mean that the others are not worth it. It’s just that I’m yet to watch their films and I’m sure they’d have done good. So, please don’t hate me for that