Watched Maska on Netflix, its new original movie that just premiered. Set in Bombay around a Parsi Irani cafe, it’s a nice, light Raju Hirani-esque nostalgia trip with a predictable story arc. A soothing balm for these troubled times instead of once again watching Contagion, Outbreak, Pandemic or any of the virus-apocalyptic cinema du jour and commenting on how eerily accurate it is (that’s the whole bloody point of all good science fiction since the days of Jules Verne😄).
Manisha Koirala does a great job nailing the Parsi look, accent and language, and Jaaved Jaafrey as the dead dad (that's not a spoiler) delivers his trademark brand of mischievous snark, while the rest of the young cast is earnest but won’t give any fears to Ranbir, Ranveer or Alia. If you want a comfort food, a la a warm bun maska and chai, type of entertainment tonight, then Maska is your cup of tea.
March 28, 2020
P.S. Came to know post-facto that my friend Shubhangi Dhaimade is the food stylist in the film responsible for showcasing all those yummy dishes like Berry Pulao, Patra ni Machhi and of course the bun maska. She can be found at foodstylist.in
April 3, 2020