Friday Night Plan 2023 Movie Review
‘Friday Night Plan,’ writer-director Vatsal Neelakantan’s debut film, presents an endearing story that follows two high school brothers on an unforgettable escapade, ultimately leading them to self-discovery and camaraderie. The film deftly explores a range of characters and situations, though at times, its straightforward execution leaves room for missed opportunities to exploit its potential fully.
The story orbits around Siddharth, a high school senior, and his exuberant younger brother, Adi. Siddharth, often known as ‘Shitty Sid,’ is the quintessential nerdy outsider who refuses to conform to high school norms while Adi’s unbridled enthusiasm contrasts starkly. The film subtly establishes the dynamics of their sibling rivalry before thrusting them into a series of unforeseen events.
Siddharth’s unexpected surge in popularity, courtesy of a triumphant football goal, earns him an invitation to an exclusive Friday night party. Adi enthusiastically joins the venture, initiating a sequence of comedic misadventures as they strive to make their way to the celebration. The absence of their mother, who is away on a business trip, forces the brothers to navigate a night of decisions and mayhem on their own. The ensuing events of this eventful Friday night form the crux of the narrative.
The film’s charm is greatly enriched by the performances of Babil Khan and Amrith Jayan, who adeptly shoulder the story’s weight. Their interactions, characterised by genuine arguments and clashes, resonate universally, akin to the dynamics of a typical neighbourhood. The film tactfully avoids melodrama, crafting an authentic coming-of-age experience that viewers can easily identify. Juhi Chawla’s special appearance as their mother adds a notable touch to the film.
With a runtime of 128 minutes, the film sustains a steady pace throughout. The soundtrack by Rahul Pais and Nariman Khambata, featuring songs like ‘Pandora Ka Dabba,’ ‘Mazey Mein,’ and ‘Bahaane,’ seamlessly melds with the narrative, enhancing the viewing experience.
‘Friday Night Plan’ aspires to be an emotionally resonant narrative, encompassing themes of first love, friendship, and sibling rivalry. Although it succeeds in this endeavour, there are instances where the film could have benefited from more poignant moments to achieve greater emotional depth. While the execution is simple, the film’s underlying theme of self-discovery and the love between siblings shines through, making it a touching and light-hearted watch.
