Project Papa

Project Papa is an inspiring drama that released in 2018. Directed and written by Kanika Batra, the film employs subtle humour and emotional sequences to enthral its viewers. The movie stars an unconventional mix of talented actors, from newcomers Levi Avelino and Kanika Batra to established names including Rakesh Batra. Batra's primary aim with this film is to display the bond shared between a father and a daughter, which she does with a beautiful aesthetic and passionate performances.

The main plot focuses on Dr. Rhea Mehta, played brilliantly by Kanika Batra, and her tumultuous journey of rediscovering herself while trying to comprehend her relationship with her father. As a successful businesswoman in San Francisco, Rhea is forced to confront her past when she receives a call from India informing her that her father is very ill. She returns to her homeland and discovers a series of revelations about herself and her family, which eventually transforms her life.

Rhea's father, who is portrayed by the versatile Rakesh Batra, is a retired physicist who, despite being highly intellectual, finds great joy in musings of life and humorous anecdotes. His relationship with his daughter is layered, complex yet filled with love and mutual respect. Together, they embark on a journey of exploration, understanding, and eventually appreciating and expressing their love and admiration towards each other.

Levi Avelino also delivers an impressive performance and completes the ensemble cast of the film. His role instigates vital changes in the lives of characters, adding yet another level to the narrative. His portrayal is nuanced, adding depth and dimension to the story.

The unique selling point of Project Papa is the film’s exploration of the father-daughter relationship, one which is often oversimplified or overlooked in mainstream cinema. The juxtaposition of Rhea’s life as a businesswoman in San Francisco against her roots back in India helps underscore the clash of tradition and modern values. It’s a raw, honest portrayal of how hard it can be for people to reconnect with their roots, particularly when larger emotional issues are at stake. It helps shed light on the emotional turmoil often involved in familial responsibilities.

Yet, the narrative never loses its inherent charm and humour, elements that help balance out the poignant moments of the film. Humour and wit are primarily portrayed through Rakesh Batra's character, whose penchant for narrations and his joyful outlook towards life brings warmth and light-heartedness, counteracting the heavy emotional sequences.

The film is punctuated with moments of vulnerability and withdrawal, all of which are handled with sensitivity and nuance. Rhea's journey is fraught with emotional roadblocks and her journey towards overcoming them forms an integral part of the plot. Project Papa captures the essence of familial duties, the burden of unexpressed emotions, and the release that comes with expression and acceptance.

The cinematography of the film is designed to illuminate the emotional landscapes of the characters – from the bustling cityscape of San Francisco to the serene ambiance of India, the setting of each shot adds another layer to the story. The film's soundtrack, too, complements the narrative beautifully, heightening the emotional depth of the storyline. Overall, the cinematography and music blend seamlessly into the storytelling, making Project Papa a treat for the senses.

The dialogues throughout the movie are sharp, thought-provoking and, occasionally, serve as bite-sized philosophical nuggets. The writing is indeed one of the strongest points of this film.

In conclusion, Project Papa is a compelling drama that explores the complex relationship dynamics within a family and particularly between a father and daughter. Along with a nuanced narrative, the film offers deeply emotive performances and stunning visual storytelling making it a must-watch. It’s in these complexities and contradictions that the movie truly shines and is guaranteed to leave its audience reflecting on their familial relationships and individual identities long after the credits roll.