Uparwala & Sons Movie Review : A noble idea lost in mediocre execution

Story: Overwhelmed by his family's poverty and disillusioned with life, Ravi Sharma resorts to making money by exploiting people's faith in the name of God.

Review: Uparwala & Sons tackles the timely and controversial topic of fake Godmen and their exploitation of innocent people. The filmmaker's intention is praiseworthy, and the film largely succeeds in delivering its message, though in a staccato manner. In addition to critiquing Godmen, it also comments on the current state of the media. This comedy-drama has standout moments, but a weak screenplay and average performances diminish its overall impact.

Set in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, this comedy-drama begins with the engagement and subsequent marriage of Ravi (Anvayaksh) and Anju (Prerna Rawat). After the birth of their child, Ravi realizes that his low-paying job at an electronic store won't cover their expenses. Desperate for a better life, he decides to portray his son as a divine avatar to make money. With the help of his brother, Jugal Kishore (Akshay Panwar Nambardar), Ravi embarks on this scheme. However, when Kalu (Ashish Gautam), a poor man with a sick daughter, seeks Ravi's help, Ravi's deception unravels.

The film is populated by a sizable cast, yet their performances largely fall into the realm of predictability. Anvayaksh and Prerna Rawat, as Ravi Sharma and Anju, respectively, show glimpses of potential, but their characters ultimately fail to leave an impact. While the ensemble struggles to ignite the screen, Akshay Panwar Nambardar's portrayal of Jugal Kishore stands out as an exception.

Uparwala & Sons is set in a city that promises a unique local flavour, but largely delivers a generic experience. While there are fleeting moments of authenticity, the film's overall atmosphere is disappointingly commonplace. The characters of Narendra and Surendra fail to ignite the screen with their comedy. In contrast, Jugal Kishore's character brings a refreshing realism and wit. The film's early portrayal of Anju as a powerful figure is misleading, as her character ultimately falls flat. The film's trendy soundtrack clashes with the setting, and a more grounded musical score could have elevated the experience. Despite its laudable intentions, this film ultimately misses the mark.