sweet-dreams-hotstar-ott-movie-review

BOTTOM LINE
Bittersweet but Watchable

PLATFORM
Disney+ Hotstar

Run Time
Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes.


What Is the Film About?

Kenneth Fernandes, a recycling artist in Mumbai, and Dia, an aspiring songwriter in Pune are strangers who have never met, yet share identical dreams. While Kenny finds a true friend in an acquaintance Roop, Dia struggles to be herself in a strained relationship with her long-time boyfriend Ishant. The duo’s search for dream partners leads them on a whimsical journey, filled with unexpected encounters and humorous mishaps.

Performances

A lanky and handsome Amol Parashar is perfectly cast as the confused youngster Kenny – who struggles to strike a balance between dreams and the real world. He brings relatability to the part with a refreshing performance. Mithila Palkar is in the same zone as Little Things but still manages to play Dia with a natural, likeable effervescence.

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The surprise package is undoubtedly Sauraseni Maitra in the shoes of Roop Datta, Kenny’s social media acquaintance who finds a way into his life during a holiday. Concealing her true feelings for Kenny, she makes you empathise with Roop. Meiyang Chang delivers the goods in a crucial role while Ayesha Adlakha, Sukkarann Vats and Faye D’Souza get to shine briefly too.


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Analysis

Sweet Dreams – as the title says it – is all about dreams and how they come in the way of the protagonists’ realities. Kenny and Dia are obsessed with their dreams and the ideal life they get to lead in them. While friends dismiss their theories of identical dreams and the stories of the unlikely meetings, the tale takes a new turn as the duo keeps bumping into one another unexpectedly.

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Kenny has barely recovered from his breakup with Shireen. While he has a decent work-life going, his only source of happiness is the dream – where he spends quality time with a dream girl he has no clue about. Pune-based Dia is unsure of love and her career – alternating between music and writing – and is shocked when her boyfriend’s parents insist she move to Canada.

The premise isn’t driven by any logic but there’s a playful, hopeful quality to the idea. There’s no rationale behind the dreams of the protagonists – it’s almost like a safe space where they could escape reality, even if it’s momentary. The desperation to trace the whereabouts of the dream partner pushes them to take unconventional decisions and their journeys keep you invested, to an extent.
 
The ‘message’ behind the film, as the director puts it towards the end – is to not miss out on the pleasures of reality while one chases their dreams. While Kenny has most likely found his partner in Roop, he still favours the Dia of his dreams. Meanwhile, Dia’s primary obstacle is herself – all she needs to do is take the plunge and set herself free. 

While the film’s core premise is built well, the whole is still lesser than the sum of its parts. The characterisation and the coincidences are loose and too convenient after a point. Though you’re fascinated by the magical realism initially, its charm wanes in the middle, only to find its way in the climax again. It’s to the credit of the director that the film is largely surefooted and so breezy.

Films like Sweet Dreams are never about delivering a ‘perfect’ narrative; the imperfections are no less charming because there’s a genuine effort to tell something original. The storyteller’s idea to end and begin with a similar scene lends a poetic touch to the proceedings. The film wants you to chase your dreams but most importantly not miss out on reality.


Music and Other Departments?

Dewal Prashar’s music is not always memorable. A stronger album could’ve easily given an edge to the film and to Dia’s character. Hanoz VK’s vibrant cinematography complements the story, neatly woven together in the hands of the editor Manikandan Nayakam. The peppy costumes and lively production design leave their imprint on the film as well.


Highlights?

Performances of Amol Parashar, Mithila and Sauraseni Maitra

Believable treatment to a not-so-logical premise

Breezy and light-hearted, technical finesse

Drawbacks?

Loses its mojo after a bright start

Too many coincidences, a weak middle-segment

Fragile characterisation


Did I Enjoy It?

In parts

Will You Recommend It?

If you’re in the mood for a not-so-usual love story

Suitable for All Ages?

Ideal for a PG13 audience (nothing disturbing)

Sweet Dreams OTT Movie Review by M9