In recent years, Karnataka has witnessed a fervent revival of Kannada pride and culture, with the local populace passionately advocating for it. It is within this backdrop that the film *Chilli Chicken* arrives, focusing on the everyday lives of migrants working in a Bengaluru hotel. The film takes on special significance considering the current socio-political climate of the state.
It is a common sight to find workers from the North East Region in various establishments across Bengaluru, be it a bustling restaurant or a lively salon. However, our interactions with them are usually fleeting, rarely delving into their day-to-day experiences. Director Prateek Prajosh’s film grants us a rare, compassionate glimpse into the world of these migrants. The story begins with an eye-opening statistic: Bengaluru has the second-highest number of migrants in the country.
The film centers on four characters—Khaba (played by Bijou Thaangjam), Jimpa (Jimpa Sangpo Bhutia), Ajoy (Victor Thoudam), and Jason (Tomthin Thockchom)—all of whom work at a hotel called Noodle Home, owned by the ambitious Adarsh (Shrunga BV). Despite living in a tiny room, Adarsh suggests it’s a luxury, highlighting a broader issue where it’s almost typical to find about ten migrant workers cramped into a single room throughout the city.
The narrative explores the feelings of alienation these workers experience in the sprawling metropolis. *Chilli Chicken* portrays that significant changes can occur if these workers immerse themselves in the local culture, beginning with learning Kannada. The casual manner in which the employees converse in Kannada delivers a refreshing dynamic. They are not presented merely as misunderstood victims; instead, their story includes moments of moral ambiguity. They resort to questionable means to earn money, reflective of the desperate measures migrants sometimes take, and when they face legal repercussions, the audience understands the heavy price paid.
The movie is co-written by director Prateek and KAS, unfolding as a quest for identity. Adarsh, brought to life with remarkable depth by Shrunga BV, embodies the aspirations of many middle-class individuals.
. He grapples with feelings of inferiority in the presence of his girlfriend’s affluent father. The clash between his self-esteem and their monetary evaluation of success defines his journey. Though he faces this struggle in solitude, Adarsh claims Bengaluru as his home, urging his employees to feel a sense of belonging in this city—a poignant scene that encapsulates the film’s core message.
Adding to the narrative complexity, Harini Sundarajan delivers a wonderfully nuanced performance as a young woman juggling various part-time jobs while making Instagram reels with progressive messages. Her character epitomizes resistance against those stuck in regressive mindsets. Through her disputes with narrow-minded individuals, the film addresses discrimination while the migrant workers yearn for dignity and respect from their employers and society.
Despite a solid beginning, the screenplay experiences some turbulence following a significant plot twist. There’s a discernible shift in focus, disrupting the film’s initially smooth pace. *Chilli Chicken* navigates the complexities without taking sides—Adarsh is flawed but earnest, and his wealthy girlfriend is not entirely unsympathetic. This balanced portrayal adds layers to an otherwise straightforward narrative, yet it creates a disjointed viewing experience as the stories of Adarsh and the migrants intermittently intersect.
Nevertheless, the film commendably tackles its weighty themes with a palpable touch, buoyed by its humor and the captivating songs composed by Siddhanth Sundar. These elements together sustain the audience’s engagement amidst the heavier discourse.
The conclusion of *Chilli Chicken* may come across as somewhat convenient, yet the film’s heart remains in the right place. It underscores the essential idea that harmonious co-existence is the path forward. As the credits roll, viewers are left with a sense of hope—a hope for a society where acceptance and integration pave the way for collective thriving.
*Chilli Chicken* is currently showing in theaters, inviting audiences to reflect on the nuanced lives of migrant workers within the vibrant cultural fabric of Bengaluru.
