This anthology format film sets out to showcase real Life inspired stories on NRI Life showing how good people can show Grey shades too in odd life circumstances. This is Gunjan Kuthiala’s first film as a creator and producer, and is a thought-provoking anthology that explores the lives and also the intrinsic mind-sets of married women saat samundar paar in foreign lands.
These four compelling stories delve into the intricacies of relationships, unfulfilled desires, and societal taboos. The plot of the film revolves around four real -life inspired NRI stories (Old Secrets, Void Space, Desires & Taboo) diving into the grey shades of human relationships, emotions, desires, and curiosity. What is interesting about this anthology is that among many human-interest topics, NRI Wives deals with marital virginity.
The first part of the interesting anthology opens with ‘Old Secrets’ by Vibhu Kashyap. Radhika (Raima Sen), a homemaker, is married to Ashish (Gaurav Gera), a workaholic US-based IT consultant. The segment featuring Raima Sen and Sadiya Siddiqui with Gaurav Ghera endears to you immediately as you can relate with what happens in the segment. The peculiar relationship between Sadia and Raima has been aesthetically treated by the director in the segment where all the three actors including Gaurav Ghera put in spirited performances and justify their parts.
The next segment featuring Bhagyashree with Hiten Tejwani is also very interesting as it deals with a middle aged married lady Ayesha (Bhagyashree) meeting her college sweetheart Rahul Kapoor (Hiten Tejwani) who is now a super star on his own merit on a professional level who she wants to sign as a brand ambassador, a connection develops. and how their stagnant relationship gets rekindled by passion of sorts. Both Bhagyashree and Hiten score well as actors.The second tale directed by Ray Khan is titled ‘Void Space’ which is not a major deviation from its predecessor and deals with the theme of asexuality.
The third segment Qaeed Kujweriwala’s ‘Desires’ is a hasty portrayal of a married couple’s relationship. Richa (Samiksha Oswal), who is gorgeous and attractive, wants a more physically fit partner than her hulky husband, Rakesh (Kiku Sharda). It is about how Richa grapples with her own ambitions and attempts to transform her husband. Kiku Sharda delivers a notable performance, which is more veered towards comedy while Samiksha Oswal goes over-the-top and loud.
Ray Khan’s ‘Taboo’ is told through the lens of an “open marriage,” but this story takes time to develop and sets out to explore the intricacies of unconventional relationships. Samir Soni, Jugal Hansraj, Gunjan Kuthiala, and Olivia Malhotra all deliver just about passable lacklustre performances and the story lacks well-rounded characters and visual appeal.
To sum up, I’d say that NRI Wives’ is a visually stunning film, having been shot in a variety of USA locations ranging from Seattle to Boston, with wonderful music in the background that complements the four stories perfectly.
