‘Aachar & Co’ is a captivating film set in the backdrop of 1960s Bangalore. It holds a special place as it was one of the scripts Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar personally selected and approved for PRK Productions. Making her directorial debut, Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, along with the well-known standup comedian Kanan Gil, co-wrote this film. Despite initial hesitancy, Smt. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar gave the green signal to the project after being impressed by a six-minute sample film made by the director.
The movie immediately grabs viewers’ attention with a unique suprabhata song that beautifully depicts the lifestyle of the 1960s. The story revolves around Madhusudhan Achar (Ashok), his wife Savithri (Sudha Belawadi), and their ten children. While Madhusudhan provides a comfortable lifestyle with the help of his government job, he raises his children with discipline to make them self-reliant.
The film showcases multiple weddings of the children and reflects the evolving modernity in wedding approaches over time. While the eldest brother had no say in his choice of spouse, the youngest sister is allowed to pick her life partner by her choice. The movie also delves into themes of loss, resilience, and maturity as the characters navigate through family members’ deaths and life’s challenges. From accepting divorce and rejecting abusive relationships to enjoying family time at the movies and going out for lunch in a five-star hotel together, the film tugs at our heartstrings.
The actors deliver realistic performances, making the audience feel like they have known them for a long time. Director Sindhu Srinivasa Murthy portrays the role of Suma, an over-ambitious girl who wishes to marry a highly-qualified man settled in London, and her journey as a self-made entrepreneur adds depth to the movie.
Anirudh Acharaya’s portrayal of younger brother Jaggu brings both affection and laughter to the story, while Harish Koushik’s character Raghu, the second son, resonates with the audience due to the weight of family responsibilities on his shoulders. The inclusion of three gossip aunties, humorously known as BBC, adds a delightful touch, and Sonu Venugopal’s performance as the influential character is attention-grabbing.
The technical team deserves praise for meticulously recreating the 1960s era of Bangalore. The Art and Costume departments worked with precision, and the cinematography and music enhance the overall mood of the film.
While the director’s debut effort is commendable, some feel that the story played it safe and could have taken more risks, especially in the climax. Nevertheless, Aachar & Co is a movie that should not be missed, particularly when watching it with the entire family – from parents and grandparents to siblings and kids. The outing is sure to be worthwhile, and it may even lead to nostalgic stories from the elders as an added bonus.
