Matto Ki Saikil[1] is an Indian 2022 Hindi language Slice of life film written and directed by M. Gani.[2] The story is based on 'Matto' portrayed by Prakash Jha, who is a daily-wage laborer and his attachment to his bicycle.[3]

Matto Ki Saikil
Directed byM. Gani
Screenplay byPulkit Philip
Story byM. Gani
Produced bySudhirbhai Mishra
Starring
  • Prakash Jha
  • Anita Choudhary
  • Aarohi Sharma
  • Idhika Roy
  • Dimpy Mishra
  • CP Sharma
  • Ayaan Madaar
  • Aryan Madaar
CinematographyChandan Kowli
Edited byKamesh Karna
Music byWayne Sharpe
Production
companies
  • Prakash Jha Productions
  • Shivdeva Films
Distributed byPVR Pictures
Release date
  • 16 September 2022 (2022-09-16)
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

The film stars Prakash Jha, Anita Choudhary, Aarohi Sharma, Idhika Roy, Dimpy Mishra, Chandra Prakash Sharma, and Aryan Madar. It was theatrically released in India on 16 September 2022.[4]

Premise edit

Matto is a daily wage construction laborer, responsible for the livelihood of his family which includes his wife and two young daughters. Every day, he takes a long distance journey from his rural life to the city, riding his heavily worn out bicycle to work. One day, his bicycle is damaged beyond repair in an accident, causing his work and his family to suffer. He manages to buy a new one with great effort. Will the new bicycle bring his life back on track, or will he and his family keep compromising on necessities and life’s simple pleasures?

Cast edit

  • Prakash Jha[5]
  • Anita Choudhary
  • Aarohi Sharma
  • Idhika Roy
  • Dimpy Mishra
  • Chandra Prakash Sharma
  • Ayaan Madaar
  • Aryan Madaar
  • Kaleem Zafar
  • Gaurav Chaturvedi

Release and Reception edit

Matto Ki Saikil was released theatrically on 16 September 2022.[6][7]

The movie received mixed to positive reviews from critics. On IMDB, it has a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Critics praised Jha's performance while questioning the pacing and screenplay of the film. Dhaval Roy for The Times of India wrote "The bicycle symbolises the cyclical poverty that Matto is stuck in. M Gani’s direction is good, but the movie seems to stretch unnecessarily, and not much happens... Prakash Jha and all the other actors get the twang and dialect perfectly but it also becomes tough to follow the dialogue and loses its charm after a point", while rating the movie 3 out of 5.[8] Shubhra Gupta, giving a similar rating for The Indian Express observed, "The film observes its characters going about their business, inviting us to be participants, and we are happy to ride along, like Matto does".[9]

NDTV's Saibal Chatterjee observed with a more positive review that, "On the big screen, we hardly ever get to see those who toil to construct our houses, lay our roads, and produce the goods we buy and the food we eat. In a modest, minimalist manner, Matto Ki Saikil trains the spotlight on the pitiable reality of India's unorganized labour force.", rating the movie 3.5 out of 5.

References edit

  1. ^ "Prakash Jha: 'Matto Ki Saikil' represents half of the country's population". The Hindu. 3 September 2022.
  2. ^ "Prakash Jha starrer Matto Ki Saikal set to premiere at Busan International Film Festival". Indulgexpress. 15 September 2022.
  3. ^ "Prakash Jha-starrer 'Matto Ki Saikal' to have US premiere". Siasat. 16 December 2021.
  4. ^ "Prakash Jha's 'Matto Ki Saikal' trailer highlights a daily-wage labourer's struggles". Times of India. 22 August 2022.
  5. ^ "Prakash Jha says 'OTT platforms have horrible approval culture in India, take months to get back'". India Today. 8 September 2022.
  6. ^ "Matto Ki Saikil Trailer: साइकिल में बसती है मट्टो की जान, प्रकाश झा की फिल्म का ट्रेलर आपको रुला देगा". India Tv Hindi News. India TV. 22 August 2022.
  7. ^ "Watch Matto Ki Saikal Trailer: Prakash Jha's film to release on September 16". Free Press Journal. 22 August 2022.
  8. ^ "Matto Ki Saikil Movie Review: Prakash Jha's raw performance makes up for the slow and uneventful film". The Times of India. 20 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  9. ^ "Matto Ki Saikil movie review: This slice-of-rural-life is a sharp social commentary". The Indian Express. 20 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2022.

External links edit