Mumbai Dragon is easily the best episode of the series. This movie checks pretty much all the boxes that will compel a viewer to watch a film. It's well acted, there is a lot of humour, the screenplay is engaging, the music is good and it has a social message as well. In one of the scenes, Sui, who is the mother of Ming, asks him as to how will he survive with a girl who doesn't even eat garlic. Now garlic is a basic ingredient in almost every food that we cook, so the question is quite valid, but the director is trying to say something about real life through that scene. How can people who belong to two different religions or cultures get together? Both of them have had a different kind of upbringing, how can they ever come on the same page? The answer is also given through food, the most important ingredient in food is love and not really garlic. Two completely different individuals can come together and live happily in each other's company, if they really want to. It doesn't matter how you are different from each other, all that matters is what connects the two of you. As long as that connection is strong, nothing can pull you apart.
The star of this show is without a doubt the Malaysian actress Yeo Yann Yann, who has surprisingly managed to look old and grumpy in this film, because in real life she looks very young and attractive. Yeo Yann plays Sui, who gets animated and over dramatic when things start to go out of hand. She represents every Asian mother, who loves her child dearly but doesn't shy away from expressing her anger when they cross a line. Her scenes with Ming, played by Meiyang Chang, are absolutely hilarious. The interactions between Sui and Ming just don't feel acted out at all, everything feels spontaneous and authentic. In one scene, Sui and Ming are arguing with each other and Sui who had decided not to talk in English, accidentally says a word in English and then slaps her forehead; that scene felt so real and was extremely enjoyable to watch. Yeo Yann Yann is a fantastic talent, and I am really glad Vishal Bhardwaj decided to cast her in this film. For someone who is not an Indian, Yeo Yann spoke very fluent Hindi.
It was a pleasant surprise to see Meiyang Chang in this film, after such a long time. He is a very capable actor and has a beautiful voice, yet somehow hasn't really managed to make his mark in the Indian film industry. Meiyang has given a very grounded performance in the film and comes across as very likeable throughout the story. Ming's girlfriend Megha has been confidently portrayed by the gorgeous Wamiqa Gabbi, an actress who has dropped out of nowhere and now I wonder as to why it took her so long? Wamiqa Gabbi is an impeccable talent, and I am really happy to see her get more roles after her stunning act in 'Grahan'. Mumbai Dragon also has some interesting cameos by Naseeruddin Shah, Imaad Shah and Anurag Kashyap.
The movie beautifully uses food as a metaphor to explain the issues that have cropped up in Sui's life and it's only through food we get to know that a resolution has been found. That was a very charming and unique way of telling the story, and as a viewer you don't expect anything less from a director of Vishal Bhardwaj's caliber. This movie is thoroughly entertaining, the performances are impressive, has an important social message and of course the quintessential Vishal Bhardwaj song, that you end up humming after watching the film. Mumbai Dragon is an absolute must watch and easily the best episode of this series.
The star of this show is without a doubt the Malaysian actress Yeo Yann Yann, who has surprisingly managed to look old and grumpy in this film, because in real life she looks very young and attractive. Yeo Yann plays Sui, who gets animated and over dramatic when things start to go out of hand. She represents every Asian mother, who loves her child dearly but doesn't shy away from expressing her anger when they cross a line. Her scenes with Ming, played by Meiyang Chang, are absolutely hilarious. The interactions between Sui and Ming just don't feel acted out at all, everything feels spontaneous and authentic. In one scene, Sui and Ming are arguing with each other and Sui who had decided not to talk in English, accidentally says a word in English and then slaps her forehead; that scene felt so real and was extremely enjoyable to watch. Yeo Yann Yann is a fantastic talent, and I am really glad Vishal Bhardwaj decided to cast her in this film. For someone who is not an Indian, Yeo Yann spoke very fluent Hindi.
It was a pleasant surprise to see Meiyang Chang in this film, after such a long time. He is a very capable actor and has a beautiful voice, yet somehow hasn't really managed to make his mark in the Indian film industry. Meiyang has given a very grounded performance in the film and comes across as very likeable throughout the story. Ming's girlfriend Megha has been confidently portrayed by the gorgeous Wamiqa Gabbi, an actress who has dropped out of nowhere and now I wonder as to why it took her so long? Wamiqa Gabbi is an impeccable talent, and I am really happy to see her get more roles after her stunning act in 'Grahan'. Mumbai Dragon also has some interesting cameos by Naseeruddin Shah, Imaad Shah and Anurag Kashyap.
The movie beautifully uses food as a metaphor to explain the issues that have cropped up in Sui's life and it's only through food we get to know that a resolution has been found. That was a very charming and unique way of telling the story, and as a viewer you don't expect anything less from a director of Vishal Bhardwaj's caliber. This movie is thoroughly entertaining, the performances are impressive, has an important social message and of course the quintessential Vishal Bhardwaj song, that you end up humming after watching the film. Mumbai Dragon is an absolute must watch and easily the best episode of this series.
