In the last few years, Karnataka has witnessed a fervent movement to revive Kannada pride and culture. Amidst this dynamic socio-cultural backdrop, “Chilli Chicken,” a film revolving around migrants working in a hotel, emerges as a significant narrative. The timing of this release dovetails poignantly with the current atmosphere encompassing the state.
Whether in the bustling ambiance of a restaurant or the busy vibe of a salon, spotting workers from the North East Region has become a common sight in Bengaluru. Despite their noticeable presence, our interactions with them remain brief. Rarely do we pause to contemplate their daily existence—until now. Director Prateek Prajosh’s film offers a window into the lives of these migrant workers, grounding its narrative in the eye-opening statistic that Bengaluru boasts the second-highest number of migrants in India.
The story follows four key characters: Khaba (Bijou Thaaangjam), Jimpa (Jimpa Sangpo Bhutia), Ajoy (Victor Thoudam), and Jason (Tomthin Thockchom), who are employed at a hotel quaintly named Noodle Home, run by Adarsh (Shrunga BV). Their living conditions—cramped into a tiny room—are portrayed by Adarsh as a luxury, reflecting a widespread practice in the city to pack multiple migrant workers into confined spaces.
Alienation is a natural sentiment for these workers navigating the labyrinth of a sprawling metropolis. However, “Chilli Chicken” illustrates that integration into the local milieu starts with embracing the local language—Kannada. The film stands as a cinematic anthem for laborers who forsake their homes in pursuit of a livelihood in cosmopolitan urban settings. The spontaneous and casual manner in which the characters speak Kannada is refreshing and significant. Notably, the film doesn’t cast them as wholly misunderstood; their desperate attempts to make quick money lead them astray towards illegal activities, echoing real-world incidents where migrants face severe repercussions.
Co-written by Prateek and KAS, the film serves as a quest for identity, primarily led by Adarsh, impeccably portrayed by Shrunga. Adarsh is a middle-class individual whose lofty dreams are juxtaposed against feelings of inferiority around his girlfriend’s affluent father.
. His self-worth is constantly scrutinized through the lens of monetary success, a contention that strains his relationships. Yet, in his solitary pursuit, Adarsh claims Bengaluru as his home and urges his employees to feel the same, encapsulating the film’s emotional core.
Harini Sundarajan delivers a stellar performance as a spirited youngster creating Instagram reels encompassing progressive thoughts while juggling various part-time jobs. Her character acts as a critique of those entrenched in archaic mindsets, championing the battle against discrimination. Her confrontations with narrow-minded individuals run parallel to the four migrants’ struggle for respect from their employers and society at large.
As the plot takes an unexpected twist, the once solid and steady screenplay begins to lose its focus. The film’s smooth pacing falters, showing signs of the filmmaker’s waning concentration. Though “Chilli Chicken” doesn’t align strictly with any perspective—neither depicting Adarsh as flawless nor his wealthy girlfriend as entirely unfeeling—it tries to balance multiple narrative threads. These interwoven stories of the migrants and Adarsh intersect, creating a complex tapestry that isn’t always easy for viewers to navigate, leaving them unsure if the narratives will converge effectively.
Despite the narrative hiccups, the director skillfully manages a weighted topic with a deft, palpable touch. The sprinkling of humor throughout the film lubricates heavier themes, and Siddhanth Sundar’s entrancing music bolsters the movie’s engagement.
The conclusion of “Chilli Chicken” may come off as somewhat predictable, but the film’s earnest heart remains apparent. It serves as a testament to harmonious coexistence, a necessary ethos for societal flourishing. As “Chilli Chicken” unfolds on the silver screen, it leaves audiences with a hopeful contemplation for a future of united cohabitation.
“Chilli Chicken” is currently being screened in theaters across the region, marking a significant contribution to Kannada cinema and Indian cinema at large.
