Cast
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Anupam Kher
as Shiv Shastri
Neena Gupta
as Elsa
Jugal Hansraj
as Rahul
Sharib Hashmi
as Cinnamon Singh
Hritu Deepak
as Alka
Nargis Fakhri
as Siya
George Banghart Jr.
as Background sitting at bar
Alexandra Faye Sadeghian
as Waitress
Sid Sharma
as Arjun
Aarav Desai
as Advaith
Alison Corriere
as Dancer
Nalneesh Neel
as Arun
Marianne Goodell
as Siya's Mom
Anil Joseph
as Sanjeev
Rhea Yadav
as Maya
Crew
Director
- Ajayan Venugopalan
Writer
- Ajayan Venugopalan
Producer
- Kishore Varieth
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Shiv Shastri Balboa examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ajayan Venugopalan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Shiv Shastri Balboa took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 132 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 174 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 351 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Shiv Shastri Balboa shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sawan Ko Aane Do, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Shiv Shastri Balboa offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Madam Chief Minister and Kissebaaz explore similar territory, Shiv Shastri Balboa stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 10, 2023
- Runtime: 2h 12m
