OutHouse Movie Review: A heartwarming slice-of-life drama
OutHouse Movie Review: Critics Rating: 3.0 stars, click to give your rating/review,The film is heartwarming and simple, with moments of charm and humour, but it lacks the narrative de
Critic's Rating: 3.0/5
Story: A pet dog follows a retired, stubborn man home, changing the course of his life. Its owners—a graphic designer and her grandson—set off on an adventure to retrieve their beloved pet from the 'thief.' Along the way, the elderly man forms an unlikely and heartwarming friendship with the duo.
Review: Director Sunil Sukthankar’s slice-of-life drama begins with Adima Roy-Phatak (Sharmila Tagore) working on a graphic novel she finds too dark and violent. Encouraged by her client, she is prompted to craft a story that introduces light and positivity into an otherwise sombre world. Things take a turn when her grandson Neel (Jeehan Hodar) arrives at her Pune home with his pet dog, Pablo (Simba). When Pablo runs away, Neel and Adima transform into amateur detectives, gamifying their search. Meanwhile, Pablo ends up with the grumpy and arrogant Nana Modak (Dr Mohan Agashe), who unexpectedly grows fond of the dog. What unfolds is a humour-filled yet heartfelt tug-of-war between the two parties over Pablo, with the journey inspiring Adima’s graphic novel.
The film explores several meaningful themes, particularly the overlooked wants of senior citizens and young children. In one compelling scene, Adima asserts to her daughter Vasu (Sonali Kulkarni) that Neel is not a mere “responsibility” but an independent individual. Similarly, Nana reminds his son Nikhil (Sunil Abhyankar), who calls his father a responsibility, that he remains self-reliant. The film also touches upon societal judgment faced by career-oriented women through Vasu’s (Sonali Kulkarni) narrative. Adima’s illustrative storytelling woven into the narrative adds a charming layer to the film’s visual appeal.
While Sumitra Bhave’s story is endearing, the screenplay occasionally loses momentum, and certain developments feel unconvincing. For instance, Adima and Neel abandon their initial search for Pablo too easily, despite Neel’s visible distress. Similarly, Nana’s transition from reluctant dog-sitter to affectionate owner feels overly simplistic. That said, Sukthankar’s direction is effective, and Saket Kanetkar’s jazz-infused score adds a playful yet intriguing touch, especially during the detective-themed sequences.
The film’s concept—a grandmother and grandson teaming up as detectives against an eccentric James Bond enthusiast—is undeniably delightful. However, certain subplots, like the strained relationship between Vasu and her husband Dutt (Neeraj Kabi), lack depth and resolution, leaving their narrative underexplored.
Humour finds its place in scenes like Nana smugly declaring that Pablo chose to stay with him, only for his neighbour Londhe (Pradeep Joshi) to quip that the dog might run away once it realises how grumpy Nana is.
Sharmila Tagore shines as the sophisticated graphic designer ready to embrace an adventure, while Dr Mohan Agashe is brilliant as the cantankerous yet endearing Nana. Their performances are complemented by Sonali Kulkarni and Neeraj Kabi, who make an impact in their brief roles, and Pradeep Joshi, whose comic timing stands out.
The film is heartwarming and simple, with moments of charm and humour, but it lacks the narrative depth to make it thoroughly engaging. However, it will leave viewers with a warm, if not entirely memorable, experience.
Review: Director Sunil Sukthankar’s slice-of-life drama begins with Adima Roy-Phatak (Sharmila Tagore) working on a graphic novel she finds too dark and violent. Encouraged by her client, she is prompted to craft a story that introduces light and positivity into an otherwise sombre world. Things take a turn when her grandson Neel (Jeehan Hodar) arrives at her Pune home with his pet dog, Pablo (Simba). When Pablo runs away, Neel and Adima transform into amateur detectives, gamifying their search. Meanwhile, Pablo ends up with the grumpy and arrogant Nana Modak (Dr Mohan Agashe), who unexpectedly grows fond of the dog. What unfolds is a humour-filled yet heartfelt tug-of-war between the two parties over Pablo, with the journey inspiring Adima’s graphic novel.
The film explores several meaningful themes, particularly the overlooked wants of senior citizens and young children. In one compelling scene, Adima asserts to her daughter Vasu (Sonali Kulkarni) that Neel is not a mere “responsibility” but an independent individual. Similarly, Nana reminds his son Nikhil (Sunil Abhyankar), who calls his father a responsibility, that he remains self-reliant. The film also touches upon societal judgment faced by career-oriented women through Vasu’s (Sonali Kulkarni) narrative. Adima’s illustrative storytelling woven into the narrative adds a charming layer to the film’s visual appeal.
While Sumitra Bhave’s story is endearing, the screenplay occasionally loses momentum, and certain developments feel unconvincing. For instance, Adima and Neel abandon their initial search for Pablo too easily, despite Neel’s visible distress. Similarly, Nana’s transition from reluctant dog-sitter to affectionate owner feels overly simplistic. That said, Sukthankar’s direction is effective, and Saket Kanetkar’s jazz-infused score adds a playful yet intriguing touch, especially during the detective-themed sequences.
The film’s concept—a grandmother and grandson teaming up as detectives against an eccentric James Bond enthusiast—is undeniably delightful. However, certain subplots, like the strained relationship between Vasu and her husband Dutt (Neeraj Kabi), lack depth and resolution, leaving their narrative underexplored.
Humour finds its place in scenes like Nana smugly declaring that Pablo chose to stay with him, only for his neighbour Londhe (Pradeep Joshi) to quip that the dog might run away once it realises how grumpy Nana is.
Sharmila Tagore shines as the sophisticated graphic designer ready to embrace an adventure, while Dr Mohan Agashe is brilliant as the cantankerous yet endearing Nana. Their performances are complemented by Sonali Kulkarni and Neeraj Kabi, who make an impact in their brief roles, and Pradeep Joshi, whose comic timing stands out.
The film is heartwarming and simple, with moments of charm and humour, but it lacks the narrative depth to make it thoroughly engaging. However, it will leave viewers with a warm, if not entirely memorable, experience.
