#LifeStories Movie Review

#LifeStories Movie Review

The perception that a movie must follow the formula of “four fights and six songs” is being challenged by a new generation of directors. They are successfully bringing unique storytelling to audiences by blending multiple narratives into anthologies. One such director, Ujwal Kashyap, has presented the film ‘Life Stories,’ showcasing six different tales on the silver screen. Let’s delve into what makes this movie special.

Plot:
The movie begins in a software office. A software employee books a cab, and his journey sets the stage for five other stories intertwined with his own. One narrative explores how a wife working in a software office struggles to celebrate her first wedding anniversary with her husband. Another story shows how a dog becomes a companion to a lonely woman, Mangamma. The third tale revolves around two old friends and their interaction. It also captures the struggles of a schoolboy when separated from his mother. Themes like friendship, joy, companionship, loneliness, and pure love are intricately woven into these stories.

Analysis:
‘Life Stories’ presents simple narratives that reflect the challenges we face in our daily lives. The movie starts with a song about the “bent of mind” and follows a software employee who transitions from his job to become a joyful cab driver. This forms the first story. The second story highlights the sacrifices of a software employee who misses celebrating her first wedding anniversary. The third story showcases how the life of an elderly woman, Mangamma, changes after adopting a pet dog. In the fourth story, a couple over 40 goes on a second honeymoon, revealing unexpected developments. The fifth narrative follows a single mother, portrayed by Devayani Sharma, who leaves her child in the care of a nanny while she focuses on her job. This story emotionally connects with every parent, depicting the child’s anxiety and longing for his mother. The final story features Piyush (Satya), a software company manager who decides to celebrate the New Year alone in Vikarabad after a fallout with his girlfriend. This story interlinks with the others in an intriguing manner.

Execution:
‘Life Stories’ can be described as a life picture reflecting many lives rather than just six stories. Every character has a narrative, and their personalities are vividly depicted. The film received numerous awards even before its release and was showcased at several film festivals. Director Ujwal Kashyap deserves a “hats off” for his journey in portraying multiple lives. One drawback of the movie is the casting, which could have enhanced its reach. The entire film was shot around Hyderabad . 

Performances:
All the actors delivered justice to their roles. The elderly woman who played Mangamma was exceptionally natural. Devayani Sharma’s portrayal of a single mother was commendable. Rajasekhar, who appeared as a private bus conductor, was impressive. Satya excelled in the role of the software company manager Piyush. Satish and Mangesh provided comic relief. The performances of even the child actors were noteworthy. The music complemented the film beautifully, and the cinematography enhanced every frame.

Verdict : #LifeStories – A Thought-Provoking Anthology Which Has 100% Life 

Rating: 3.25/5