Sui Dhaaga... threads delicate pastiche of joy, sorrow

The flaws of each character tug our heartstrings

By Subhash K. Jha | IANS

After I saw Sharat Katariya's debut film Dum Laga Ke Haisha, I hoped the director won't sell out to the star system. But his second film starred a market-friendly lead star.

I hoped Kataria's second film won't lose the charm and innocence of the first. Providentially, Sui Dhaaga loses none of the delicacy and sting even while providing space to its leads to surrender to their characters.

Varun Dhawan surrenders to his character Mauji as though the role was tailor-made for him. Never afraid to look less than heroic on-screen, Varun furnishes his tailor's character with a rugged candour. This is an actor and a character who are so sincere to their craft that they don't mind crawling on the floor if that's what it takes to stay afloat.

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Varun's performance is filled with a smothered disappointment. It takes his quietly confident and deceptively docile wife Mamta (Anushka) to bring out the suppressed ambition in her husband.

I am afraid Anushka Sharma, a fine actress in the best of times, is just not equipped to get all the intricacies of her character tightly into place. Anushka's is a 'look-I-can-do-it' performance filled with a kind of phoney Jaya Bhaduri-angst that works well within the film's claustrophobic working-class atmosphere.

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The aspirational narrative of how Mauji finds his groove with considerable help from his street-wise wife, works like a charm because all the performers are solidly sincere. But most of all, Sui Dhaaga wins our hearts because the director never milks the milieu for soppy sentimentality.

Nor does he swing the other way to make the middle-class ambience a place to celebrate misery. The tone is constantly energetic, yet poised.

Katariyaa is neither awed by stillness nor intimidated by noise. He listens to the heartbeat of the heartland. We listen.

Sui Dhaaga review: 4 Stars

Reactions from Social Media

Neha Dhupia @NehaDhupia
I loved Mamta @AnushkaSharmaFC I loved loved Mauji @Varun_dvn and the entire family of #SuiDhaaga ... @Sharatkatariya what a beautiful film you have made. Every performance every beat is on point. And that background score is beautiful! @Shanoozeing Wat brilliant casting!

Taran Adarsh @taran_adarsh

2018 is the year of content-driven films... Strong stories that one can relate to are finding an audience... #SuiDhaaga is the newest addition to the list... Yes, it’s not perfect - screenwriting could’ve been better - but it has some incredible moments... Simple is beautiful!

Aditi Raval @aditiraval
Rarely get a chance to watch such a simple film.... #SuiDhaaga @AnushkaSharma @Varun_dvn

Priya Gupta @priyagupta999
We so underestimate the power of simplicity!!! #SuiDhaaga is such a beautiful film. So well written & Directed by @Sharatkatariya. This film is not just Made In India, it’s made for every Indian. U will cry, laugh & finally Cheer!!! Don’t miss it!!! @Varun_dvn @AnushkaSharma

Varun Sharma @varunsharma90
Just Watched #SuiDhaaga Such an Honest Film!! With such super Fine Performances!! Absolutely Amazing Haaste Haaste Rulayegi aapko!! @Varun_dvn Bhaiii Tune Fatte Chak diye.. One of your Finest Performance Till Date.. Soo Soo Good!! Biiiiiggg Punjabi Jappi To You Bhaii!!

Zaheer Khan @ImZaheer
#suidhaaga is a must watch . A big congratulations to @anushkasharma @varun_dvn and the entire team . Mamta and Mauji #sabbadhiyahai

Tushar Joshi @TusharrJoshi
#SuiDhaaga is simplicity at its best. The hero of the film is the human spirit and @Varun_dvn @AnushkaSharma excel in bringing that alive on the big screen. These two have mastered the art of becoming the character they play. #SabBadhiyaHai