Thai Massage Story:-
Aatmaram Dubey, a well-respected widower hailing from the town of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, is on the brink of celebrating his 70th birthday. As his family eagerly prepares for the upcoming grand celebration, an unexpected revelation surfaces regarding his past adventures in Thailand. The question arises: was his trip to Thailand merely for sensual pleasure, or does it conceal deeper layers yet to be unveiled?
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 11 November 2022 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Kids & Family |
| Cast | Divyenndu Sharma, Gajraj Rao, Sunny Hinduja, Rajpal Yadav, Vibha Chibber, Alina Zasobina |
| Director | Mangesh Hadawale |
| Writer | Mangesh Hadawale |
| Cinematography | G Srinivas Reddy |
| Music | Joi Barua, Ajay Jayanthi |
| Producer | Imtiaz Ali |
| Production | Window Seat Films, T-Series Films, Reliance Entertainment |
| Certificate | 16+ |
The film delves into the poignant reality of loneliness that often befalls the elderly, especially after the loss of a spouse. Denied certain pleasures, particularly those of a sexual nature, they are expected to lead a life of quiet reflection, seemingly detached from earthly desires. Through the character of Aatmaram Dubey, portrayed by the seasoned actor Gajraj Rao, the narrative seeks to challenge this societal perception, asserting that age does not necessarily diminish the longing for intimacy and fulfillment.
Aatmaram, a highly esteemed septuagenarian, finds himself grappling with profound solitude following the passing of his wife, whom he had faithfully cared for during her 22-year battle with paralysis. Confronted with the possibility of erectile dysfunction and unable to fathom a future devoid of physical intimacy, he contemplates ending his life. However, fate intervenes in the form of a young stranger named Santulan, portrayed by Divyendu, who claims to hold the key to Aatmaram’s salvation.
Thus begins an unconventional journey of self-discovery and indulgence, as Santulan guides Aatmaram on a quest for pleasure that leads them to the vibrant city of Bangkok. Against the backdrop of Aatmaram’s personal turmoil, the film navigates themes of societal expectations, respectability, and the pursuit of happiness. It challenges preconceived notions about aging and sheds light on the complexities of human desire and fulfillment.
While the film’s premise holds promise, director Mangesh Hadawle struggles to maintain narrative coherence and pacing throughout its duration. Clocking in at over 122 minutes, the storyline meanders at times, lacking the tautness and quirkiness characteristic of similar genre offerings. Despite sporadic moments of humor, such as Aatmaram’s humorous encounters with modern technology and cultural differences during his journey to Bangkok, the overall pacing feels sluggish.
Nevertheless, the film’s visual depiction of Bangkok’s vibrant landscapes, particularly the breathtaking Khao Sok Lake in Phuket, adds a layer of aesthetic appeal to the narrative. Against this picturesque backdrop, Aatmaram’s encounters with a female Russian blogger and his introspective reflections on life and love offer moments of poignancy and contemplation.
In terms of performances, Gajraj Rao delivers a nuanced portrayal of Aatmaram, seamlessly transitioning between comedic and emotional registers. However, Divyendu’s character of Santulan feels underdeveloped, lacking clear motivations for his actions beyond serving as a catalyst for Aatmaram’s journey.
Despite its thematic depth and occasional moments of emotional resonance, “Thai Massage” ultimately falls short of its potential, leaving viewers with a sense of underwhelm. While it offers glimpses into the complexities of human desire and the pursuit of happiness across generations, the film’s narrative shortcomings hinder its ability to leave a lasting impact.