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MANISHA SIRWANI 11945 333 days ago

If I have to describe or rename this movie I would rename it as &quot; Hum saath saath hain Featuring Everest Base Camp &quot;.<br/>I actually had good expections from this one because I like slow paced and Motivating Content. But this one is quite boring. The Starcast is On-point but Story is damm weak &amp; Production house haven't Changed their way of Story Telling which is Very Important in today's time. I didn't like Parineeti's Character and she was not fitting the part. She as a Trek Leader is not Convincing enough &amp; unable to control the damage on Trek. Also writer could have worked on Other side characters who are part of Everest Base Camp. I liked all the other Aspects which includes Frames, Tones, Cinematography &amp; Music. The transitions from past to present are very smooth &amp; it shows how visionary Sooraj Barjatya is as a Director. The movie tries to Celebrate the Friendship but Dialogues &amp; The Situations in each Character's life doesn't touch the Core. Well, we hope Bollywood comes up with these Subjects with good Scripts .

Om 42 489 days ago

Heart touching movie &lt;3

Manu 567 days ago

Just too good movie. Teaches you about various but common behavioral scuffles within a family and how to rise above them. Adventure is there as well.

Edward Wilson Mollah 568 days ago

Great Movie to watch with family. Amazing work of all stars...

Ram Thakur 95 571 days ago

I fully agree the first half of the movie is the best. My major disappointment about the second half is lack of authenticity about the locale, i.e., trek from Namche Bazar to Everest Base Camp. I have trekked to EBC thrice in my life. You don't trek every day for acclimatization reasons on this part of the trail. The location of EBC is not exact. It is totally fictitious. The long bridge on which some irrelevant action is shot is below Namche and we cross it on the second day's trek from Phakding to Namche. There is no such bridge between Lobuche and EBC. Shows total lack of proper research. Overall, it is a good movie in terms of human feelings, relationships and life in general.

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‘Uunchai’ movie review: Amitabh Bachchan’s Everest climb is a familiar, yet enriching experience

Director sooraj barjatya’s ‘uunchai’ tells a well-written, emotional story unhurriedly with relatable moments, making one chuckle and cry in equal parts.

November 11, 2022 06:49 pm | Updated November 15, 2022 11:53 am IST

Amitabh Bachchan, Danny Denzongpa and Boman Irani in a still from ‘Uunchai’

An emotional roller-coaster that makes you chuckle and cry, Sooraj Barjatya’s Uunchai takes us to cold climes but leaves us with lots of warmth. For once we have a narrative that addresses the concerns of the aged without finding faults in the present generation. It talks of friendships that are not measured on the scales of give and take. It talks of developing a camaraderie between the young and the old, and between husband and wife, where one cares for the other, rather than depends on the other.

The messaging is ensconced in a storyline that is not consistently gripping, but not preachy either. In fact, Barjatya knows the dangers of slipping on the melodramatic slopes of yore. So, every time Amitabh Bachchan attempts to rationalise a situation, he is told: “Don’t give us your gyan.”

More importantly, after a while, Bachchan attempts a flawed character that crosses paths with his real-life image of a winner at all costs. The fact that his character is called Amit Shrivastav and that his good friend Bhupen (Danny Denzongpa) tells Amit early in the film that he has reduced himself to a salesman of emotions makes it all the more fascinating.

The trailer had raised hopes of an adventure that the three old friends undertake in the high mountains to fulfil the last wish of their buddy, but surprisingly most of the action happens in the plains, and the focus is more on the metaphorical Everests that we have to face in life. But it is the way that Amit shapes up or rather melts in the last quarter, when Bachchan of all people faces his fear, that prevents the film from falling off the cliff.

Mounted in the unhurried style of Rajshri Productions, Barjatya and co-writer Abhishek Dixit generate a series of moments that the middle-class audience can easily relate to. In the Barjatya universe, there are no villains, so we have harmless fights between friends. And there are humorous situations, like the extra effort made to placate bhabhiji who is annoyed because her husband has dared to speak to another woman. The screenplay is full of situations that we all have lived through, before the world became a smart place and social media allowed people to live in a parallel universe.

From a young age, Anupam Kher has had a flair to play old characters. Here again, he plays the grumpy Om, who is wedded to his past, with utmost conviction. Boman Irani gets the pulse of Javed, a businessman whose life is controlled by his wife Sabina (Neena Gupta), and nobody can match Bachchan in freestyle comedy. Sarika is absolutely endearing as Mala, who like Om, is also holding on to a painful past. As the guide with an attitude, Parineeti Chopra gets a half-baked character, and yet, she makes the most of it.

However, for all the talk of accepting change, Barjatya himself remains stuck to the template of a three-hour-long film. It takes away some of the bite. So does the complete silence on the spiritual side of Javed throughout the journey. And despite signing up Amit Trivedi and Irshad Kamil, the most meaningful and hummable song that captures the crux of the film is Anand Bakshi’s Ye Jeevan Hai which was composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal for Rajshri Production’s Piya Ka Ghar in 1972. Well, it is not for nothing that they say ‘old is gold’.

Uunchai is currently running in theatres

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Uunchai movie review: A heartwarming tale of friendship and loss

Uunchai movie review: amitabh bachchan, boman irani, anupam kher's movie is warm and wholesome tale of true friendships..

It's not very often that you walk out of a theatre and your heart feels full and makes you want to live all your dreams, sometimes even those of your friends. Uunchai left with me sense of solace, happiness and fulfilment. A heart-warming story without any intent of being preachy or trying to evoke extreme emotions, Uunchai moves you from the word go. Returning to direction after seven long years, Sooraj Barjatya brings a mixed bag of emotions varying from love, loss, dreams, desires, friendship, failures to self-belief, conviction and a promise made to your loved ones and most importantly yourself. Starring veterans including Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Neena Gupta and Sarika in leading roles, Uunchai rightly boasts of being loaded with powerhouses of talent. (Also read: Black Panther Wakanda Forever movie review)

Unlike his earlier family dramas mounted on a large scale with a backdrop of a family wedding or a love story, Barjatya's Uunchai is refreshingly different and breathtakingly beautiful. It opens with a group of three friends -- Amit (Bachchan), Om (Kher) and Javed (Irani) along with Mala (Sarika) who are on a trek to reach the EBC (Everest base Camp) led by tour guide Shraddha Gupta (Parineeti Chopra). Soon after, we are shown a flashback from two months ago about how they landed here and what unfolds thereafter. Back in Delhi, we are told, this trio celebrated their close friend Bhupen's (Danny Denzongpa) birthday, and the next morning his demise leaves them shattered. To fulfil his last wish of doing a trek with his friends, these three decide to embark on a journey full of uncertainties and hardships. Will they be able to complete the trek and fulfil their friend's last wish? Will the difficulties along the journey break them? Or will there be more harsh realisations along the way? Uunchai beautifully showcases these dilemmas that each of the characters go through.

Bachchan, Kher and Irani are a riot together. Their camaraderie instantly reminds you of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara albeit they have different set of life issues they're dealing with. The finesse and expertise they bring to the screen in unmatched. While Bachchan as the most sorted and sure of the three, convinces the rest for this trekking expedition, Kher is the cry-baby yet the sweetest and most relatable out of all. Irani brings forth his charisma and wins you over with his performance. With his wife Shabina (Neena Gupta), they make for an endearing couple. Their chemistry together makes you believe that love has no age. Neena's expressions, dialogue delivery and screen presence just light up the mood. Sarika, on the other hand, carries a more poised demeanour bringing a sense of calm to the chaos. However, her track, I felt, was quite rushed and never explained much in detail for me to fully connect with it. For a tour guide, I often found Parineeti Chopra less empathetic while dealing with senior citizens but guess she gets ample space to justify her actions and convincingly so. Amid all this, it was a treat to watch Denzongpa on screen after so long. His smile, persona and mannerisms leave you in awe and wanting to see more of him.

As beautiful as these characters, the film has a beautifully written story by Sunil Gandhi that's high on emotions and there's never a dull moment. Beautifully complementing the narrative are dialogues from Abhishek Dixit, which look apt for every situation. I loved the way how even in the grimmest situations, he tries to put in a tinge of humour yet doesn't make it look odd. Shweta Venkat Mathew's editing could have been a little crisper and the film could have been easily 20 minutes shorter yet you don't complain much about the length for the story keeps you hooked. With Amit Trivedi's music that's soothing to ears and isn't forced into the screenplay, Uunchai turns out to be the perfect family entertainer. Special mention to Manoj Kumar Khatoi's cinematography and the way he has captured stunning views of the Himalayas. From aerial to low angle to close-up shots, it's nothing short of magical and makes second half of Uunchai a perfect visual spectacle.

What I particularly loved in the film is that the makers didn't rush into showing the group of friends on the final trek instead they took their sweet time to soak into their respective stories. As the trio along with Neena Gupta took the road trip to reach Kathmandu, we get to see India in its full glory from places like Agra, Kanpur to Lucknow and Gorakhpur and their cultural influences. Every scene celebrating this friendship and emotions puts a smile on your face and that makes Uunchai worth it.

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Uunchai movie review: This buddy-drama decides to sleep when it has promises to keep

Friendship was their only motivation,” reads the tagline of Uunchai, a story of three friends who trek to Everest Base Camp in honour of their deceased companion. Bollywood has, time and again, given us tales of doing the extreme for your fellow comrade. Be it helping the bride run from her marriage (3 Idiots), going for a bachelor trip even when you don’t find the third amigo funny (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) or shooting a defence minister (Rang De Basanti). The question is, is that friend worth it? And if yes, how does the audience know that?

Danny Denzongpa as Bhupen, whose death sets the film in motion, is still affable and charming even when he is not playing a bourgeoisie villain. He is obsessed with climbing Mount Everest because he told us. He is a great friend because his friends told us.

He wanted to have a just society because his lost love later tells us. A lot of telling and a bit of preaching happens during this Sooraj Barjatya film. As for Bhupen, you, and also his friends, only remember him dancing with a Nepali cap on. Thus, the central motivation of the film wobbles like a mountain bridge. But it’s still refreshing to see Barjatya break away from the grand family. In Uunchai, Amitabh Bachchan plays Amit Srivastava, a writer who is estranged from his wife; Anupam Kher is Om, who left his brothers in Gorakhpur to establish a books business in Delhi, and Boman Irani plays Javed, a lingerie salesman with a controlling spouse.

If this was the early nineties, this film would have been set in Om’s, now ramshackle, haveli, and the title would have represented a business family’s losing morals at the height of its success. Bless our stars, Uunchai is a buddy film. But it is still an uphill road less travelled for Barjatya and he manages to keep on track. He crosses all milestones of a road comedy: there is the initial reluctance to go on the trip, the uninvited traveller who has a past, and the jolly friend who is hiding a deadly disease.

The film at points feels like traditional Rajshri characters dealing with an evolving world. In a scene Anupam Kher’s Om, after being shunned by his elder brother, asks Amitabh, “Sab kuch badal kyun jata hain?” (Why does everything change?). In another sequence, Amitabh explains to Boman’s Javed and his wife Shabina (an alluring Neena Gupta), after their daughter doesn’t invite them for her birthday party, that sometimes they should also understand their children’s predicament. Although it’s a dated theme, Uunchai tries to bring the young and the elderly together, arms-over-shoulders, laughing and being merry with just a Hariharan song missing.

The hurdle, however, is the pacing. Barjatya spends too much time on the stopovers. The film starts from Delhi, crosses Kanpur, Agra, and Gorakhpur before reaching Kathmandu, and before the actual trek begins, we are into 80 per cent of the film. Uunchai then inflates its length to make up for lost time and resultantly becomes dreary.

It emphasises a point with its sentimental music long after it is made. The film goes on and on, like its main characters on trek, but doesn’t explore the thrill and the dangers of climbing Everest enough. You start hoping for the climax to come sooner and when it does, it is more relieving than cathartic. Uunchai’s runtime feels like a lifetime. But I guess, ye jeevan hain.

Uunchai Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Danny Danzongpa, Neena Gupta, Parineeti Chopra, and Sarika Thakur Director: Sooraj Barjatya Rating: 2.5/5

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Uunchai Review: Sooraj Barjatya's Film Is An Age-Defying Ode To Friendship And Life

Uunchai is a hard relate, for everyone. it teaches you, without being preachy, that change is the only constant and its acceptance - although hard - makes life more endearing in the long run..

Three old men and two old women are on a road journey to Kathmandu. You don't see that often in films, do you? While Sooraj Barjatya's Uunchai is a full-blooded Rajshri film, it is diverse, intensifying and life-altering without the backdrop of a big fat traditional wedding or a family reunion. Uunchai's star cast featuring the generation that literally plays their age and owns the very fabric of their characters feels like a defining moment not only for B-Town but also for us as an audience.

Uunchai is a hard relate, for everyone. It teaches you, without being preachy, that change is the only constant and its acceptance - although hard - makes life more endearing in the long run. It acquaints you that life and relationships are a balance we must maintain until our last breath, and not when we are expected to make it work. The film surfaced formidable, hard-to-accept truths, about the parent-child relationship, that being older does not ultimately put you in the right and being younger does not imply you're always in the wrong when in a situation unfavourable for your parents.

Suggested Reading: From Uunchai To Driver Jamuna: 5 Amazing Theatre Releases This Weekend

Uunchai review

Spoiler alert

The film begins with unravelling a heartwarming bond between four friends from different walks of life Amit Shrivastav (Amitabh Bachchan), Javed Siddiqui (Boman Irani), Om Sharma (Anupam Kher) and Bhupen (Danny Dengongpa). The plot further deepens as the three friends Shrivastav, Siddiqui, and Sharma set on a road journey, in the company of Siddiqui's spouse Sabina Siddiqui (Neena Guta) and Mala Trivedi (Sarika), post-Bhupen's sudden demise leaving them with memories, pain and anew purpose to live up to. The three decide to honour Bhupen's last wish of going on a trek with his friends to Everest Base Camp, by taking a hike in majestic Nepal hills to spread their friend's ashes in the mountains he always longed for. They embark on a journey of self-discovery, unexpected challenges and overcoming inhibitions in each other's acquired strength. Will they be able to honour their friend's final wish? Will the insurmountable challenges break them? Or will they embark on a journey that will change their lives forever?

My two most prominent takeaways from the film were two feelings I had, one watching the film and the other looking at the hall full of the older generation accompanied by their friends, families and grandchildren.

Sooraj Barjatya, like usual, managed to bring people together in a way like no other and that's not all, he showcases the road journey as reflective, relatable and restoring in more ways than one, and the best part about it is that he, returning to direction after seven long years, makes it seem effortless.

"Doston ki baat hi alag hai, Dil bharta hi nahin"

There's a scene at the beginning where Danny Denzongpa says, " Doston ki baat hi alag hai, Dil bharta hi nahin ." That's pretty much what gets the film rolling into what can be seen as an adventure full of life lessons through a road trip from Delhi to Kathmandu via Kanpur, Lucknow and Gorakhpur. Every halt will give you a lesson or two, and you'll realise you knew it all along but are too afraid to practice or be vocal about it.

The friendship between Irani, Bachchan and Kher is beautifully depicted, and the fact that they have not done a full-fledged film together in this regard makes it even more special. Neena Gupta and Boman Irani are endearing as the adorable couple Sabina and Javed, with the two having some of the film's most captivating dialogue exchange. I'm sure the audience would want more of this pairing in the future; I do. As the grumpy one among the friend group, Kher offers the most hilarious comic instances. There's nothing Amitabh Bachchan cannot do as an actor, and his vulnerability on screen makes you believe all the unpretentious gyaan he passes in between scenes.

There's a cameo by Nafisa Ali Sodhi, who plays Bachchan's spouse Abhilasha Shrivastav and brightens up the screen with her two-minute scenes. Danny Denzongpa's presence makes you want for more of him on screen, he is so graceful that it almost makes you forget he has ever played a negative role in his life. Parineeti Chopra paves her way into becoming a Rajshri actor with full conviction. She plays a strict tour guide who is going through a turmoil of her own and has some lessons to learn along the way. Neena Gupta's expressions and dialogue delivery are so well refined, she's natural like everyone says. It's pleasant to watch Sarika play Mala Trivedi, a woman motivated by redemption to take that hike to the camp, with such an assured demeanour.

The soul of the film is the resilience that defines the honourable friendship between the characters

Resilience, which surpasses age-defying norms, shackles societal acceptance of what the older generation is expected to do, and paves way for redefining purpose regardless of what stage of life one is in. I can now identify with my 65-year-old father even more because, like these elderly individuals in Uunchai , who welcome living in uncertainty but look forward to every moment of their existence, my father also believes in showing up without fear of his advancing age or ill health. He, like all parents, is unstoppable, and I believe we sometimes underestimate the older generation because aren't they all doing precisely what our generation is doing? - Hustling in anticipation, living with expectation.

Thankfully, the cast and crew of Uunchai make the plot around the trek to the Everest Base Camp credible. With the mannerism of the characters blending into the conventions of the trek with grave difficulties, multiple challenges involved in the itinerary, and the strength that sometimes breaks, the oldies hiking up the mountain looks believable and inspirational.

Sunil Gandhi has done an impeccable job at writing scenes which are high on emotions and serve their purpose with great timing and camaraderie between the characters, whether it's their onset of the trip in Delhi, their pit stop in Knaour or the unexpected turn of events at Gorakhpur, the thread of the film woven into fine storytelling doesn't break and keeps you hooked. Shout out to Manoj Kumar Khatoi for exemplary cinematography. The long and close shots of the magical Himalayas are brilliant and so very captivating.

The film won't pump you to go for a trek tomorrow, that's not its purpose. The film showcases the mountain within us that we all fear climbing in our capacities. Your life isn’t over until it’s literally over, and that is the most significant takeaway from Uunchai , a lesson that will stay with you for life and not just until the theatre's exit.

Views expressed are the author's own.

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Uunchai Movie Review: UUNCHAI is a simple, emotional, family film with top notch performances by the lead cast.

Uunchai is a simple, emotional, family film with top notch performances, but suffers due to mediocre music, excessive length., uunchai review {3.5/5} & review rating.

UUNCHAI is the story of a life-changing journey of three friends. Amit Shrivastava ( Amitabh Bachchan ) is a successful author, based in Delhi. He is separated from his wife Abhilasha (Nafisa Ali Sodhi) and the closest people in his life are his three friends – Javed ( Boman Irani ), Om Sharma ( Anupam Kher ), and Bhupen ( Danny Denzongpa ). The quartet meets on Bhupen’s birthday and makes merry. Bhupen, who’s originally from Nepal, expresses the desire to head to Everest Base Camp along with Amit, Javed, and Om. The friends, however, reject the idea, citing their old age and health issues. Bhupen goes home after the party and passes away in his sleep. Even in the case of Bhupen, his friends are his only family and they handle the cremation and other rituals. While going through Bhupen’s study, Amit finds that the former has booked a tour package to the Everest Base Camp for his three friends. The tour is going to take place in two months. Meanwhile, Om is making plans to immerse Bhupen’s ashes in the river Ganga in Varanasi. Amit informs Om and Javed about Bhupen’s Everest plan. He persuades them to join him so that they can release his ashes at the Base Camp since it was Bhupen’s favourite place on Earth. Om and Javed agree after a lot of persuasion. But there’s a problem. Javed’s wife Shabana (Neena Gupta) will never allow her hubby to take such a risky trek. Hence, Amit comes up with a plan. He tells Shabana that the trio will go to Kathmandu, Nepal where they’ll immerse his ashes. As per the plan, they’ll go to Kathmandu by road since Om is scared of flights. Amit tells Shabana to join them. He tells her that they’ll drop her at Kanpur at her daughter Heeba (Sheen Dass) and son-in-law Valli (Abhishek Pathania)’s place. Once that’s done, the trio will then head to Gorakhpur where Om will meet his brothers, whom he hasn’t met in 30 years. The three friends and Shabana begin their trip. But sadly, Amit’s foolproof plan goes for a toss. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Sunil Gandhi's story is touching. Abhishek Dixit's screenplay is simple and neat. The script flows at its own pace and is peppered with adequate funny, emotional, and even thrilling moments. In a few places, however, the writing could have been tighter. Abhishek Dixit's dialogues are simple, and conversational and in some scenes, it is quite deep.

Sooraj R Barjatya's direction is exemplary, as expected. He’s known for making films about families and this is the first time that he has toyed with a film which celebrates friendship. And he succeeds as he executes the script beautifully. What’s remarkable is his old-school style narration. The film is not just about three friends trying to scale Everest. There are multiple tracks, and they all contribute a lot to the principal track. At the same time, it gives viewers a wholesome, cinematic experience. A few twists in the tale also add to the entertainment quotient.

On the flipside, the film’s length is a major issue. At 170 minutes, UUNCHAI tests the patience of the viewers in some places. Secondly, the youth is the major chunk of the moviegoing audience and the film doesn’t offer much to this section. This can prove detrimental, from a box office point of view. Lastly, Sooraj R Barjatya’s films are known for super-hit music. Even like MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON [2003] had chartbuster songs. UUNCHAI, however, has a poor soundtrack. A minor issue with the film is also the track of Amit and his estranged wife as it is not explained properly.

Uunchai – Official Trailer | Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani

UUNCHAI begins with a breath-taking sequence. The film then goes into flashback mode and nicely introduces the principal characters. The scene of Bhupen’s demise is very moving. The scenes where the trio start prepping for the trek in Delhi are cute. The Kanpur sequence is dramatic. What’s praiseworthy is that instead of going the BAGHBAN [2003] way, the makers chose to show that even the parents can go wrong. The best part of the first half is reserved for the intermission point. It is sure to bring the house down. Post-interval, the Gorkhapur episode and Mala Trivedi’s (Sarika) flashback is memorable, as also the confrontation thereafter. The initial trekking scenes are nice but later, the film slows down and drags. The pre-climax is when the film picks up. The finale is lovely.

Amitabh Bachchan delivers a terrific performance, as expected. It was a challenging role, not just physically but also emotionally and Big B comes out with flying colours. Especially in the second half, he’s too good. Anupam Kher’s part reminds one of his similar acts in KHOSLA KA GHOSLA [2006] and BABY [2015]. But he ensures it stands out and does a fine job. His breakdown scene at the Gorakhpur ghat is lovely. Boman Irani underplays his part well and lends support. Danny Denzongpa is fair in a cameo. Parineeti Chopra is hardly there in the first half but in the second half, she makes her presence felt. Neena Gupta is charming and one does miss her after a point in the film. Sarika is restrained and apt for the part. Nafisa Ali Sodhi is good in the cameo. Sheen Dass, Abhishek Pathania and Raju Kher (Guddu bhaiyya) are okay.

Amit Trivedi's music is poor. A film like this should have had a chartbuster or a soulful melody. All songs of the film,  'Keti Ko', 'Arre Oh Uncle', 'Haan Kar De', 'Ladki Pahadi'  and  'Savera' , work as they are well woven in the film, and due to the picturization. George Joseph's background score is appropriate.

Manoj Kumar Khatoi's cinematography is spectacular. The locales of Nepal are very nicely captured. Urvi Ashar Kakkar and Shipra Rawal's production design is rich. Sham Kaushal's action is realistic. NY VFXWaala's VFX is praiseworthy. Terrence Lobo, Daena Sethana, Priya Patil and Mohit Rai's costumes are in sync with the character’s personalities. Shweta Venkat Mathew's editing should have been sharper.

On the whole, UUNCHAI is a simple, emotional, family film with top-notch performances by the lead cast. However, the film suffers due to mediocre music, excessive length and offers nothing for the youth. At the box office, the film will appeal only to a limited section of the family audience and will need positive word of mouth to sustain.

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Uunchai movie review: Hum saath-saath hain now too with sugary sweetness, group dances and zero subtlety

A life-affirming lesson about how you are never too old to scale great heights is drowned out by predictability, stereotypes, silliness and dated storytelling.

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Danny Denzongpa, Sarika, Neena Gupta, Parineeti Chopra, Nafisa Ali

Director: Sooraj Barjatya

Language: Hindi

Four friends gather to celebrate the birthday of one. Amit Shrivastav ( Amitabh Bachchan ) is a bestselling author who prides himself on his success with young readers. He has a wife but, as one fan points out, she has never been seen in public. Om Sharma ( Anupam Kher ) runs a shop with his son and is openly resistant to change. Javed (Boman Irani) loves his spouse Shabina ( Neena Gupta ) who in turn dotes on him but keeps him on a tight leash. And then there is Bhupen ( Danny Denzongpa ), whose sudden death serves as a spark that sends the others on a trek to the Himalayas.

The men are all senior citizens, so the journey becomes a medium for a life-affirming lesson about how you are never too old to scale great heights.

Uunchai (Height) is helmed by Sooraj Barjatya who, in the 30-plus years since his blockbuster debut with Maine Pyar Kiya , has not once deviated from his signature conservatism or predictability in storytelling. It is fair then to assume from what is revealed or pointedly hinted at in early scenes that at least a couple of secrets will be confessed by the finale, new equations will be formed, the buddies will each smooth out the wrinkles and fill out the cracks in their respective family relationships, and if there is evolution, then it will be written with extreme care to ensure that the social status quo is not rocked to such an extent as to make a traditionalist audience uncomfortable. It is also fair to assume that the path to self-discovery will be lined with sugary sweetness, sanskaar and group dances with choreography familiar from all the director’s earlier films. Both assumptions are proved right.

The film’s message about living life to the fullest at every age is, of course, heartening, and of significance in India where the scripturally inspired social expectation is that every person will naturally settle into Sanyas once they have conformed to the other prescribed stages of human existence: Brahmacharya, Grihastha and Vanaprastha. But the means to that message is so maudlin, and the risks taken by the Big B’s character Amit so ridiculous, that an important point is lost.

Emotions run high throughout Uunchai . Every feeling every character experiences is signalled and then repeatedly underlined with a marked change in the loud background score. The humour is childish, particularly so in passages involving Om sniping at Bhupen and later Javed. And the narrative style is terribly outdated.

Stereotypes abound, most markedly in the writing of the women. One wife automatically gets jealous at the mere mention of the possibility that a woman will be travelling with her husband. Several long – oh so long! – stretches are devoted to jokes about her suspicious nature and how no man should ever praise another woman in the presence of his own partner. A second woman ditches her boyfriend, not under pressure from her family as is initially indicated, but because she is overwhelmed by the wealth of an alternative prospective groom. As we often see happening in the real world, a wife’s meticulous planning of her husband’s healthcare is portrayed as suffocating behaviour. These women are not villainised, which suggests that these clichés are emerging from genuine conviction – I’m not sure if that’s better or worse than insidious intent.

Meanwhile, of course there are un- sanskaari children in the picture who are unmindful of their lovely parents’ devotion and wishes. Quite unexpectedly, in the latter case, at least one father is shown introspecting and adapting to the new generation’s dreams. I suppose it is a revolutionary step for The House of Barjatya to concede that parents may possibly be wrong. As the sort of person who likes to see the glass as half full, I am tempted to celebrate, but Uunchai is so lacking in nuance that everything about it feels contrived and staged. Even this.

The only positive that seems to flow naturally is the completely normalised portrayal of the Muslim family among the friends. Sadly, what flows just as naturally is the story’s emphatically upper-caste universe, evident not only through the characters’ surnames but also the casual mention of Brahminical practices, as is the norm with Hindi cinema.

As the gang goes from Delhi to Kanpur, Lucknow, Agra and Nepal, we are served some stunning frames of the mountains, but their impact is diluted by the in-your-face studio shots. Worse, the narrative becomes increasingly mushy with every passing minute until it gets tiring.

Amitabh Bachchan and Boman Irani hold back to a certain extent even when the melodrama gets overwhelming. Sarika and Neena Gupta are as restrained as is possible in such a film. Anupam Kher, who is capable of so much better, over-acts inexorably here, especially in his comical interludes, but is overshadowed by Nafisa Ali who looks luminous but under-acts in what is possibly the film’s worst scene. Parineeti Chopra as a mountaineer and guide is wasted in a marginal role. And Danny Denzongpa’s cameo is a reminder of his warm screen presence that is much missed in Hindi cinema.

Uunchai is a call to the elderly to embrace life and accept change. Ironically, the film itself is stuck in time.

Rating: 1 (out of 5 stars)  

This review was first published when Uunchai was released in theatres in November 2022. The film is now streaming on Zee5.  

Anna M.M. Vetticad is an award-winning journalist and author of The Adventures of an Intrepid Film Critic. She specialises in the intersection of cinema with feminist and other socio-political concerns. Twitter: @annavetticad, Instagram: @annammvetticad, Facebook: AnnaMMVetticadOfficial

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Uunchai Twitter Review: Netizens laud Amitabh Bachchan's film, say 'it will make you cry and laugh'

Uunchai, starring amitabh bachchan, is out in theatres. the film has received positive reviews from netizens..

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• Uunchai, starring Amitabh Bachchan, is out in theatres.
• The adventure drama is being praised by netizens.
• Uunchai is directed by Sooraj Barjatya.

UUNCHAI RECEIVES PRAISE FROM NETIZENS

Sooraj Barjatya, best known to many for directing blockbusters such as Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun, is back with his latest film Uunchai . The Amitabh Bachchan-led film opened in theatres on Friday, November 11, much to the delight of Big B fans. The initial Twitter reactions to the film are quite positive.

#Uunchai is really high on emotions and good performances. This film belongs to @AnupamPKher . Versatile, comical relief and too good in emotions. His ghaat scene with #SrBachchan will be remembered for long. After #saransh it's his one of the best. Finally a good family film. — àäµàä¿àäµàå‡àä• àä¶àä°àåàä®àä¾ (Vivek Sharma)🇮🇳 (@MainVivekSharma) November 11, 2022

#Uunchai Review: Family Entertainer is a Roller-Coaster Of Emotions, Humour & Thrill. @SrBachchan , @bomanirani , #Danny Very Good.. @AnupamPKher You Nailed it. @ParineetiChopra Excellent Performance.. @Neenagupta001 Outstanding. #Sooraj ji Direction Fantastic. Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐ pic.twitter.com/EDwDunakC5 — Vishwajit Patil (@_VishwajitPatil) November 11, 2022

A film to be watched with friends and family. One will go to any length or #Uunchai for a friend. Congrats @SrBachchan @AnupamPKher @bomanirani @Neenagupta001 and #SoorajBarjatya for 75 years and 60 beautiful films from the house of @rajshri pic.twitter.com/htSaHnV39z — Neeraj Roy (@neerajroy) November 9, 2022

With #uunchai Sooraj ji once again proves that simple and emotional films are better than films with Slo Mo entries, item songs and cleavage show. Story is emotional, narrative is gripping. @SrBachchan ji ko kisi ne mere baad sahi utilize kiya hai ek badhiya wholesome film mein. pic.twitter.com/WOBLUbNjIS — àäµàä¿àäµàå‡àä• àä¶àä°àåàä®àä¾ (Vivek Sharma)🇮🇳 (@MainVivekSharma) November 10, 2022

#Uunchai is a story of tenacity, love, adventure, & above all, it’s a story of friendship. @anupampkher is a delight on screen and with stellar performances by @BomanIrani @SrBachchan @Neenagupta001 & #Sarika this movie will make you feel so much! Congratulations everyone! pic.twitter.com/mbN8VqDIJ1 — Instant Cinema Updates (@justcinemainfo) November 10, 2022

ALL ABOUT UUNCHAI

Uunchai is an adventure drama, directed by Sooraj Barjatya. It is written by Abhishek Dixit. The film revolves around three aging characters who decide to go on a trek to fulfill their late friend's wish. The cast includes Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Danny Denzongpa, Parineeti Chopra, Neena Gupta and Sarika. Uunchai is produced by Sooraj Barjatya, Mahaveer Jain, and Natasha Malpani Oswal under the Rajshri Productions banner. This is Amitabh Bachchan's first release after Goodbye, which opened in theatres on October 7. Published By: Roktim Rajpal Published On: Nov 11, 2022 --- ENDS --- ALSO READ | Amitabh Bachchan's Uunchai poster unveiled ahead of Megastar's birthday

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‘uunchai’ review: heartfelt film that's an ode to pals you’d move mountains for, 'uunchai' stars amitabh bachchan, anupam kher, boman irani, danny denzongpa, parineeti chopra and others..

What would one expect from Sooraj Barjatya films if not an emotional rollercoaster? Most of his earlier films like Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! were, in my grandmother’s words, ‘good family fun’. Is his latest venture Uunchai any different? At the offset, it wouldn’t seem so.

However, once the film continues to progress, it’s tough to miss the experiment Barjatya is conducting with what constitutes ‘family’. Uunchai is the story of four friends, Amit ( Amitabh Bachchan ), Javed (Boman Irani), Bhupen (Danny Denzongpa), and Om ( Anupam Kher ). After Bhupen’s death, the other three decide to complete a trek to the peak of Mt Everest (a notoriously treacherous climb) in an aakhri iccha (last wish) gesture.

Earlier Barjatya films often focused on nuclear families and the interdependence between each family member. This interdependence and proximity was often treated as a catalyst for the protagonists’ happily ever after (he literally has an immensely successful film titled Hum Saath-Saath Hain ). This common thread is missing, or rather twisted, in Uunchai. 

Anupam Kher, Amitabh Bachchan, and Boman Irani in a still fromm Uunchai.

(Photo Courtesy: YouTube)

While the film is all about camaraderie and a fighting spirit aided by the presence of one’s closest allies, it also touches on the importance of solitude, showcasing that some battles are best fought alone. 

Despite the level of danger, the location the film is set in is breathtaking and deserves an equally competent treatment. Cinematographer Manoj Kumar Khatoi paints the entire landscape on screen with enough wide angle shots to fill a tank while shifting to close ups when tensions rise. They’re both predictable moves cinematically and threaten to become exposition heavy but the line is tread carefully for the most part. 

The first half of the film, when it comes to colour, is quintessential Sooraj Barjatya - there is every shade of blue, yellow, and the staple Rajshri Production hues of red. But as the second half rolls in, the palette shifts to whites and somber blues, indicating a comfortable tone-shift for the film.

A still from the film.

Where the film suffers is in its duration. Uunchai has a strong emotional core but it lacks strength in brevity. The film’s runtime could’ve been cut down much more with the makers still retaining every message and every emotion. Some story arcs tend to stray away from the main plot, making them dreary to sit through and process. 

While an emotional core is essential for a film like this, there are instances where it feels forced. This is a tale of perseverance in the face of adversity and while, yes, our older protagonists’ journey is predictably full of strife, some of it borders on trauma for trauma’s sake. 

When it comes to performances, every actor on screen, including Neena Gupta and Sarika, are masters of their craft. The four friends have an indelible chemistry on-screen which makes it easier to believe their motivations. Amitabh Bachchan, once again, proves that he can go from humorous to morose in the blink of an eye. 

Boman Irani and Danny Denzongpa in a still from Uunchai.

Both Boman Irani and Anupam Kher play their parts as they’re meant to, adding their own unique touches to Barjatya’s story. A certain scene at the ghats with Bachchan and Kher is indicative of both the actors’ skill and the story’s ability to draw out the emotions it needs. 

Danny Denzongpa, who made his name in Bollywood with darker and intense roles (case in point, Phir Wahi Raat and the iconic Kancha Cheena in Agneepath ), is a pleasant surprise on screen with his easygoing delivery and disarming charm. 

Parineeti Chopra with Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, and Boman Irani in a still.

Parineeti Chopra, sharing the screen with multiple veterans, holds her own for the most part even though her character is the least fleshed-out of all. A meatier role, even with some more context into who she is, would’ve made her a more stable addition to the story.

Uunchai released in theatres on 11 November.

'Uunchai' Trailer: Amitabh-Anupam-Boman-Neena Embark On A Heartwarming Adventure

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Topics:    amitabh bachchan      sooraj barjatya      parineeti chopra  .

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Uunchai Reviews

Every moment, every exchange, every line of dialogue feels like it was coughed up by the human equivalent of Bing, while being held prisoner in the Rajshri basement.

Full Review | Feb 23, 2023

Uunchai takes a simple and not-very-original concept (elderly people going on an adventure trip) and ruins it with a bloated run time of 173 minutes, very hokey scenarios, and mediocre acting. The movie is half over by the time they get to Mount Everest.

Full Review | Nov 21, 2022

Uphill in every which way...

Full Review | Nov 14, 2022

A basic trek through lofty themes...

The film is shot well by Manoj Kumar Khatoi. Whether it’s the car sequences or the trek across the hills, the camerawork provides an immersive experience.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 14, 2022

A bit fewer of several stretches towards the second half where the film meanders into more than one man-made crises, and this Uunchai would have been mission truly accomplished.

Uunchai spends an inordinate amount of time holding forth on ageing, transience, mortality and the urge for freedom...Not that these are not important themes to tackle, but the treatment that Uunchai reserves for them borders on the preachy and syrupy.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 14, 2022

From aerial to low angle to close-up shots, it's nothing short of magical and makes second half of Uunchai a perfect visual spectacle.

The film is not solely about older people, and even with its flaws there’s a certain relatability to the characters and the story.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Nov 14, 2022

Uunchai is a call to the elderly to embrace life and accept change. Ironically, the film itself is stuck in time.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5 | Nov 14, 2022

Uunchai has a simple enough story that drags on for 169 minutes and 48 seconds on the sheer good will of its veteran cast.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 11, 2022

Uunchai Review: Amitabh, Anupam, Boman and Danny Win You Over With Their Moving Performances

Curated By : Sonil Dedhia

Edited By: Dishya Sharma

Last Updated: November 11, 2022, 18:00 IST

Mumbai, India

• 11 November 2022 | Hindi
• 2 hrs 53 mins | Adventure drama
• Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Danny Denzongpa, Parineeti Chopra, Neena Gupta, Sarika,
• Director: Sooraj Barjatya
• Music: Amit Trivedi

​Uunchai movie review: The beauty of the film is that none of its pitfalls eventually matter. The movie wins you over with its innocence and simplicity.

Hindi cinema is obsessed with youth, and older characters are usually relegated to the background. We don’t see wrinkles and failing bodies often enough. Rarely have we seen Hindi cinema doing justice to veteran actors. It’s only in the past few years and especially after the OTT boom, many senior actors are back in the spotlight and are proving the fact that age and medium are no bar for talent. Occasionally a film like Uunchai will come along to remind us that there’s more to old people than just wrinkles and dentures.

In Uunchai, filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya brings a story about friendship, and hope and gives us a deep and heartfelt message on why we should live life by seizing the moment and following our hearts.

Also read: Abhishek Bachchan Reviews Uunchai, Calls Amitabh Bachchan Starrer ‘Good-hearted Film’ | Exclusive

This film is literally all in its writing. This isn’t to suggest that the performers on screen, Sarika, Neena Gupta, Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani and Danny Denzongpa (in a cameo) and Parineeti Chopra don’t match up to the material. Oh, all of them do. They collectively shine, without a doubt.

Uunchai is the story of four friends, Amit (Amitabh Bachchan), Javed (Boman Irani), Bhupen (Danny Denzongpa), and Om (Anupam Kher). After Bhupen’s death, the other three decide to complete a trek to Mt Everest base camp, a treacherous climb as that’s the last wish of their late friend. Boys will be boys and this film catches that note beautifully.

You can be in your sixties, but a few minutes with your childhood friends takes you right back to being a teenager, playing the same old pranks. You have to love the natural way in which Bachchan’s character tries to convince Neena Gupta (Shabbo) to allow her husband (played by Irani) on a road trip to Kathmandu. The adventure even gets a bit complicated when Mala (Sarika) enters the equation.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Uunchai (@uunchaithemovie)

During the journey, their outer shells are peeled off and their true lives are revealed to one another. Emerging stronger from the experience, they are prepared to live their lives moment by moment, taking pleasure in what they have rather than bothering over what they don’t.

Barjatya tries to keep the film breezy, yet high on emotions. The screenplay, by Abhishek Dixit, feels patchy at times. The conversations are laced with real humour as the dialogues are gentle. They won’t make you ROFL, instead bringing a smile to your face. Despite some unconvincing moments in the plot, Uunchai keeps the viewers involved all the way to the climax. The tempo drops considerably in the second half, especially Bachchan’s subplot which seems a bit forced and also increases the run time. At 2 hours and 49 minutes, the film could have easily been trimmed by at least 20 minutes. Admittedly, there are moments where the film does get preachy and you find yourself shifting in your seats, but the seasoned filmmaker ensures that the story doesn’t lose its charm.

What makes Uunchai that much more enjoyable are the performances. Amitabh Bachchan’s infectious energy sets the pitch. He is great in the quieter moments, and his chemistry with his co-stars is endearing. Anupam Kher delivers a measured, affecting performance, while Boman Irani brings an effortless, comfortable energy to his character. His timing, be it emotional or comic scenes, is impeccable. Neena Gupta compliments Irani’s light disposition and serenity with a measured delivery that highlights her poise and accessibility.

Danny Denzongpa is charming in his cameo and you will fall in love with his affable smile. Sarika, who returns to the big screen after a long hiatus, is a delight to watch. Parineeti Chopra holds her fort amongst the seasoned actors and does her job well.

The beauty of the film is that none of its pitfalls eventually matter. The movie wins you over with its innocence and simplicity. It is the effortless performances, coupled with their intoxicating screen presence that makes this movie worth watching.

Uunchai is uneven but heartfelt. Despite its flaws, the emotions connect. Getting to see some of the finest talents in Indian cinema together is enough to pull anyone to the theatre. And if you are game for a family drama with a message, Uunchai is a film for you. It has its heart in the right place, if not many other things.​

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Uunchai: Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast

• Release Date 11 November 2022
• Language Hindi
• Genre Adventure, Drama, Kids & Family
• Duration 2h 50min
• Cast Amitabh Bachchan , Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Danny Denzongpa, Parineeti Chopra, Neena Gupta, Sarika, Nafisa Ali Sodhi, Sheen Dass, Abhishek Singh Pathania
• Director Sooraj Barjatya
• Writer Abhishek Dixit
• Cinematography Manoj Kumar Khatoi
• Music George Joseph, Amit Trivedi
• Producer Sooraj Barjatya, Mahaveer Jain, Natasha Malpani Oswal
• Production Rajshri Productions, Mahaveer Jain Films, Boundless Media
• Certificate U

About Uunchai Movie (2022)

Three sexagenarian friends (Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani, Anupam Kher) decide to battle their physical limitations, and embark on an adventurous trek to the Mount Everest Base Camp, to spread their fourth friend's (Danny Denzongpa) ashes, and fulfill his last wish.

Uunchai Movie Cast, Release Date, Trailer, Songs and Ratings

Uunchai Movie Trailer

Uunchai movie songs.

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entertainment news

Uunchai movie review: Big B's film is heartfelt ode to friendship; Amitabh, Anupam Kher and others create magic

Updated Nov 11, 2022, 18:18 IST

Uunchai review

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Uunchai : Parineeti Chopra "Thrilled" To Be Working With Sooraj Barjatya, "The Torchbearer Of India's Family Entertainers"

The film has a star cast of veteran actors including amitabh bachchan, anupam kher, boman irani, neena gupta, danny denzongpa and sarika.

Parineeti Chopra has shared on social media that she will be seen in Sooraj Barjatya's next directorial venture, Uunchai . The actress, who has been on a Maldives vacation for the past few weeks, is in Nepal to shoot for the film. Sharing the news, Parineeti wrote a long note on her social media accounts on Twitter and Instagram. The posts feature candid stills with Sooraj Barjatya . The actress wrote, "Thrilled and honoured to be a part of the iconic cinematic universe of Sooraj Barjatya sir." Parineeti Chopra added, "Sooraj sir has defined and is the torchbearer of India's family entertainers and I can't wait to work under his tutelage; alongside this stellar and incredible cast."

The film has a star cast of veteran Bollywood actors including Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher , Boman Irani, Neena Gupta, Danny Denzongpa and Sarika. Parineeti also took this opportunity to wish Amitabh Bachchan  on his birthday. She wrote, "Mr Bachchan, happy birthday sir! This is a special day, and a special moment."

She added, "Especially excited to be working once again with Anupam (Kher) sir, Boman (Irani) sir and Neena (Gupta) ma'am. And for the first time with Sarika ma'am and Danny sir." Parineeti ended her note on a positive note, "Let this magical journey begin."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Parineeti Chopra (@parineetichopra)

The actress recently took a well-deserved break with her family in the Maldives . She has also been keeping fans informed of all the happy memories she has been creating on her island getaway.

As part of her vacation, Parineeti Chopra also went on a seven-day scuba diving trip with her brother Shivang Chopra .  And, it was no ordinary experience for Parineeti. The actress called it, "My meditation." Given the way she exudes peace in her Instagram video, we can be sure that she had the time of life in the ocean. Here's her video:

Parineeti Chopra has had three releases this year including badminton player Saina Nehwal's biopic Saina , Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar and the Netflix original The Girl On The Train . She debuted alongside Arjun Kapoor in the film Ishaqzaade in 2012. In addition to Uunchai, she will also be seen in Animal .

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Watch: Irked By DRS Confusion, Rohit Sharma's Stump Mic Chatter Has Internet In Splits

A drs (decision review system) confusion during the first sri lanka vs india odi in colombo irked captain rohit sharma..

A DRS (decision review system) confusion during the first Sri Lanka vs India ODI in Colombo irked captain Rohit Sharma. The incident took place on the fourth ball of the 14th over of Sri Lanka's innings. Shivam Dube bowled a delivery down the leg side to Pathum Nissanka, who missed the glance, and the ball flicked his thigh pad  on the way to wicketkeeper KL Rahul. The Indian players appealed for a wicket but umpire was unconvinced. To everyone's surprise, the umpire gave it a wide.

Captain Rohit had a chat with Rahul before deciding not to take a review. When Rohit was returning back to fielding, one of the players told him that he heard a sound.

"Tumlog ko toh ye bolna chahie ki bat dur hai ya pad door hai. Bat agar door hai toh who bol raha hai 100% awaz aya. (You should know whether the bat is far from the pad or not. If the bat is away, then he is saying there is a noise for sure)," said an erked Rohit while walking back.

After this, Rahul said, "IPL me wide bach jaata hai na, issi liye bol raha hai wo" (In IPL, the reviews can be taken for wides, that's why he is saying)."

"IPL me wide bach jaata hai na, issi liye bol raha hai wo" KL Rahul to Rohit Sharma on Dube's appeal for down the leg catch. pic.twitter.com/n8fT4gJufl — 45. (@45Devote) August 2, 2024

Notably, in IPL, a team can even review against a wide decision given by the umpire.

India and Sri Lanka were engaged in a thrilling tie in the first ODI of the three-match series on Friday.

Composed fifties by Dunith Wellalage and Pathum Nissanka helped Sri Lanka reach a decent 230 for 8 after opting to bat. The total was better than what it looked on the board due to conditions which are heavily loaded in favour of slow bowlers. Wellalage's 67 not out off 65 balls had seven fours and two sixes in it. Nissanka made 56 off 75 balls.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Axar Patel (2/33 in 10 overs) and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (1/33 in 10 overs) were economical while seamers Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with a wicket apiece. In last 20 overs, 118 runs were scored.

Chasing, skipper Rohit Sharma made 58 off 47 balls, while Axar Patel (33) and KL Rahul (31) also chipped in with contributions but couldn't finish off the game.

Charith Asalanka (3/30) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/58) were the pick of the bowlers for the hosts.

(With PTI Inputs)

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