Is the weekend whizzing past and you want to indulge in a breezy watch that leaves you feeling positive without exercising too much thought?
ASHOK’s FIVE reasons to watch #TheLiftBoy, a simple sweet film that the London Indian Film Festival described as “a heart-warming entertainer”. Now streaming on #Netflix, this is a pleasing watch and despite a few short-comings does its bit to make you smile. It is the story of Raju, who replaces his father as the lift boy in a residential building and how his life changes as a result of the various encounters he has.
1. “The Lift Boy” is a novel plot that manages to narrate some truths regarding class struggles, cultural divide and growth aspiration. It is the coming-of-age story of an aspiring engineer Raju. Owing to his dad’s heart attack, he is forced to replace him as the lift boy at Galaxy apartments and amidst the ups and downs of the lift, he finds support, meaning and purpose for life. The portrait of the lollipop on the back of the lift cubicle catches your attention early on and the film goes on to reveal its significance at the end. The film manages to showcase the issues faced by the upwardly mobile youth in India today.
2. Writer, Director and Producer Jonathan Augustin manages to put together an endearing film told through the eyes of Raju, played with aplomb by Moin Khan. Supporting him are Nyla Masood, Saagar, Kale, Neha Bam and Aneesha Shah. While the various characters are not necessarily sketched out in great detail, all of them are likeable and manage to take the narrative forward. Nyla does a wonderful job as Maureen D’Souza as she goes out of her way to help Raju with his studies.
3. With none of the familiar elements of sex, violence, high drama or cuss words, the very fact that the film rose up the ranks in the trending section on Netflix.
4. The Lift Boy has technical deficiencies and at times comes through as an over-ambitious student film with over-exposed lighting, limited camera equipment and angles and an overtly simplistic treatment. Notwithstanding this, it makes up for all this with great intent, sweet charm and oodles of positivity.
5. Moin Khan is very likeable as he toils through the challenges and positive moments and one looks forward to seeing more of him on screen. The film eschews the opportunity to have a quirky twist or two. It is worth a watch though for the sheer moments of joy that pop up once in a while!
The Lift Boy is not a sophisticated product. At times, the camera frame remains static on two characters in conversation and the mandatory close-ups are missing. Some good acting and an overall positive treatment make up for this with some realistic treatment. I am going with a 2.5 on 5 for The Lift Boy. Watch it and let me know what you think of it.
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