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Canteen 2

average rating is 3 out of 5

Critic:

Jason Knight

|

Posted on:

Oct 17, 2024

Film Reviews
Canteen 2
Directed by:
Shourya Kumar Lal
Written by:
Shourya Kumar Lal
Starring:
Shourya Kumar Lal, Nomya Gautam, Pakhi Pundeer, Charles Kantilal Patel, Kunal Nayak

The sequel to the 2023 short Canteen has arrived, with Shourya Kumar Lal as director and screenwriter. In this short coming-of-age romance drama, Lal, Pakhi Pundeer and Charles Kantilal Patel reprise their starring roles, apart from Jiya Giri, whose role in the first film is now played by Nomya Gautam.


The story revolves around a group of college students in Delhi, India, Veer (Lal) and Sara (Gautam) who are a couple and their friends Virusha ( Pundeer) and Raj (Patel). Everything seems to be going well for these nice young individuals until Kabir (Kunal Nayak), a member of the college's theatre group proceeds to build a rapport with Sara, much to the dissatisfaction of Veer, who suspects Kabir might not be what he appears to be.


Veer, Sara, Virusha and Raj are likeable characters and the audience will most likely root for them. The screenplay explores the close friendship between them and particularly the joyful romantic relationship between Veer and Sara. Viewers will have the pleasure of enjoying a creative pleasant montage that includes shots of wonderful buildings. Taking under consideration that (like in the first film) filming was executed on iPhone, it is quite admirable how the filmmakers created a short with a decent-standards feeling.


On the negative side, fans of the previous film might be disappointed by Giri's absence in the role of Veer's partner, although Gautam fills her shoes sympathetically.


Regarding the acting, it might not be superb, however the cast do a job that is good enough to make the viewer like them and sympathise with their situations and struggles. Nayak's character is the one who stands out the most, a double-faced guy who could also be considered to be the antagonist.


The main concept of the plot is a relationship coming under threat. The film begins as a light-hearted story about a youthful romance before turning into a drama about a romance seemingly ending. Almost certainly romance is a main theme, as is friendship, honesty and support. Self-reflection is also examined as is the idea that people should hold on to what is precious to them.


Lal has made another sweet, romantic story that also has a great deal of drama. Young viewers in particular will most likely identify with the film's themes.

About the Film Critic
Jason Knight
Jason Knight
Short Film, World Cinema
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