Indie films are a rarity in India. Rarer still are good ones. Sulemani Keeda is a little film that satires life in the periphery of the film industry. It's a bittersweet tale of how struggling writers' lives unfold in the glitzy by lanes of Mumbai. Some of it is truly hilarious, some profound and a little bit just doesn't make sense. Like any piece of art, it has its imperfect strokes. The story for example, is a tad too simple. Yet, the movie reflects upon certain insider truths of the industry that make for an invigorating experience.This is the story of two writers waiting for their big break. They're dug into the dream of making a film called Sulemani Keeda. But neither has any serious professional guile other than their honest aspiration. They also come with a set of prejudices and stereotypes. Mainak (Mayank Tiwari) for one is the trash talking guy who thinks he's better than the world. Dulal (Naveen Kasturia) on the other hand is a classic case of hesitation getting the upper hand on talent. The two make an unlikely writing pair and you're introduced to their lives as they beg for a chance to the likes of Mahesh Bhatt, Anil Sharma and Amrita Rao. Let's just say their career prospects are borderline pathetic and it doesn't help that the two know nothing about scoring with chicks. But when Dulal meets Ruma (Aditi Vasudev) things seem to change for the better. But they also run in with trouble when Mainak and Dulal decide to write a film for Gonzo Kapoor (Karan Mirchandani). The only big conflict in the film is predictable and yes you could argue that's how the cookie crumbles in real life. But then again, good writing can make fact stranger than fiction. That's what worked for films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaro and Chashme Buddoor. With Sulemani Keeda, it's the dialogues that steal the show. They're funny, quirky and then on moments they're a revelation. The 'perhaps it's time to grow up' line hits you like a rock. Masurkar does a fantastic job with the lines, not so much with the script though.Then to say that visuals could've been better is really nitpicking. End of the day, this is an indie film. It doesn't even have the budget of a commercial b-grade movie. Even so, one has to contend with unimaginative camera work. This point only becomes a subject of criticism because we're talking mainstream exhibition. If Sulemani Keeda had been a niche product one could've overlooked the lack of quality in its imagery. Especially because certain parts show you the team was capable of shooting good frames. But the inconsistency robs the movie of its punch. It's not a major deterrent. But it is enough to put off the average movie viewer.The great thing about the movie though is its cast. Naveen, Mayank, Aditi and Karan are the four pillars on which Masurkar builds his story. Naveen's performance with the subliminal nervous energy and the totally gullible personality is good. Better still is Mayank's performance which shows a character with brazen disregard for the system. He swears everywhere and he's just spearheading into everything he jokes about. These are real characters and the actors do a more than good job. Aditi and Karan are in shorter roles but their performances are superb. Karan especially looks creepily awesome in his Tarkovski inspired role.A special mention to the CGI scene where Karan's character snorts cocaine. This particular scene belongs in such memorable movies like Pineapple Express and This Is The End. This is beyond hilarious. It will give you a stomach ache. A thousand likes to Masurkar for deviating from the norm and having the audacity to try something different. But, a story is the heart and soul of a film. And Sulemani Keeda falls short on that aspect by some margin. Clever writing and word play do save the scene. But then it could've been better.

There are few good things about a debutant's work. Firstly, you don't have any expectations from the work. Secondly, you can be as critical as you like without worrying about the trolls. Also, you are elated when such a work leaves you tickled in the end. The film portrays beautifully the solution to the age old problem of the 'writer's block'. Through the two friends, Mainak and Dulal, it depicts different choices one makes to overcome the block. The film considers overcoming this block as a life changing event in the life of a creative professional. The film reminds one of the 'cult' classic Barton Fink(1991) where the directors Coen Bros. took a deep dark turn when their protagonist was faced with same writer's block. The film is drenched in a amateurish style which adds a raw edge to the film and hence an eight(8). Humour is good and apart from the theme this is the only other thing which sticks with you for a little longer. The film seemed too self aware sometimes, i.e. giving details of what is transpiring, a signature evolved from Fellini's(Gonzo's cat :P) 81/2.

An original, autobiographical portrayal of struggles so unique to anyone who dares to follow his/her dreams. 'Sulemani Keeda' is about two bumbling amateurs struggling to make a mark in the world of script-writing for Hindi cinema, their attractions and distractions, with a lot of fun and hilarity thrown in.The character portrayals are amazing and many of them are funny especially the lead actor's sidekick Mainak, Gonzo, Sweety and Nene. Masurkar has done a great job with the script and direction. The chiaroscuro of hilarity with spells of seriousness, the international influences neatly tied with 'desi' locales and deliberate kitsch with sublime poetry all blends in superbly in the yarn he has spun with words as well as with the visuals.This movie has a lot of taste and in that it is very Woody Allen - the writers' influences are from Andrei Tarkovsky; the movie collection shows 'Cinema Paradiso'; the book being casually read is on Francois Truffaut; the cat is named 'Fellini' (feliney?) and even the title of the movie, and this is my guess, is inspired by Salman Rushdie. The poetry and music in this movie is little but profound and timely. And Masurkar's muse, Mumbai, is depicted charmingly using local trains, Colaba eateries, beaches and bachelor pad apartments, right down to the last detail.A thoroughly entertaining, fresh and hilarious watch - one of the best I have seen in a long time.

Watched this at MAMI festival in 2013. Was one of the 3 best I saw that year! The audience was in splits. The film has a very simple story and yet you are completely engaged with the characters and their journeys. The two leads play struggling screen writing partners who are constantly aspiring to reach the "next level" in their careers- and you completely feel for them. The lead girl (who was earler seen in Talaash) is gorgeous. There are also some cameos by Bollywood insiders who spoof themselves in a sporty way. The best part about this film is that it is not trying hard to make you laugh or make a point. It is breezy, light and funny. This is the kind of film that makes you want more and the kind of fresh Indian cinema that I would like to watch more often.