The much-anticipated cinematic journey of ‘Madgaon Express’ embarked on a promising opening as it chugged into theaters across the nation on March 22. Under the directorial guidance of Kunal Kemmu, well-known for his multifaceted career as an actor, the film has managed to gross an impressive Rs 1.50 crore at the box office on day one, triumphing marginally over its contemporary, the Randeep Hooda-directed ‘Swatantra Veer Savarkar’.
The narrative of ‘Madgaon Express’ is woven around the stolen aspirations and unexpected misadventures of three young friends, portrayed by the stellar cast of Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, and Avinash Tiwary. What begins as an innocuous dream to unwind in the euphoric surrounds of Goa, escalates into a series of fiascos, as their journey unfolds through the corridors of the eponymous Madgaon Express. The film not only marks this trio’s first joint venture on the silver screen but also cements Kunal Kemmu’s foray into cinematic direction.
Joining the core cast in this light-hearted comedy-drama are Nora Fatehi, Upendra Limaye, and Chhaya Kadam, enhancing the tapestry of the narrative with their distinctive performances. The decision behind Kunal Kemmu’s directorial venture has a backstory laced with introspection and resilience. In the absence of desirable acting gigs, Kemmu penned the script of ‘Madgaon Express’, envisioning himself as the protagonist. However, a creative epiphany occurred when he shared his vision with Farhan Akhtar, who perceived Kunal’s potential as a director, steering him towards a new and rewarding trajectory. “Do I want to crib about the opportunities that I don’t have, or work on creating opportunities?” reflected Kunal on the inception of ‘Madgaon Express’.
Kunal, who started his journey in the film industry at the tender age of six, acknowledges the profound influence of seasoned directors in shaping his comedic sensibilities. Working on films like ‘Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke’, ‘Dhol’, ‘Golmaal’, ’99’, and ‘Go Goa Gone’ has equipped him with an eclectic cinematic vision and a voice uniquely his own.
The decision to chart the unexplored waters of direction, foregoing his on-screen presence in ‘Madgaon Express’, was born out of practicality rather than preference. Kunal, cognizant of the intensive demands directing a film entails, chose to immerse himself singularly in this role for his debut project.
A true enthusiast of Goa’s vibrant milieu, Kunal expressed his fondness for the coastal state. Recollecting his numerous film shoots there, he remarked on Goa’s palpable allure that resonates with every Indian. The anecdotes of Bombay boys yearning for the Goan dream, which serves as the thematic crux of his film, struck him as innately relatable and aspirational – a poignant reflection of dreams deferred by the penchant for proximity yet paralyzed by circumstance.
The producers behind ‘Madgaon Express’, Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, are recognized for their perspicacity in fostering films that resonate with audiences, and with this latest venture, they seem to have captured the zeitgeist of youthful endeavors marred by comic capers.
As ‘Madgaon Express’ voyages through the film industry’s competitive tracks, its opening day success is a testament to the adroitness of Kunal Kemmu as a filmmaker and the interpretative caliber of its ensemble cast. A harmonious melding of laughter, drama, and the quintessential aspirations of youth, this movie promises to be a scenic ride for its audience.
