Director: Avinash Das  

Cast: Jaaved Jaaferi, Vivaan Shah, Avantika Dassani, Sushant Singh, Istiyak Khan, and Veenay Bhasskar  

Duration: 100 Minutes  

Rating: 2  

Picture yourself strolling through the narrow, vibrant streets of Lucknow, where the aroma of freshly brewed chai and sizzling kebabs fills the air, mingling with the subtle scent of long-standing political intrigue. Welcome to "Inn Galiyon Mein," a film that endeavors to encapsulate the delightful and spicy essence of communal harmony—akin to a perfectly brewed cup of chai—until someone inadvertently spills the sugar, transforming it into a bitter brew filled with profound questions.

Under the direction of Avinash Das, this film unfolds a timeless narrative: the unity between Hindus and Muslims, disrupted by the imposing figure of politics, represented by Mr. Ajay Tiwari (portrayed by Sushant Singh), the type of individual who would sell you an umbrella on a sunny day, only to later attribute it to “climate change.” You recognize the type—always present with a grin that’s just one ill-timed tweet away from igniting a scandal.

Now, let’s focus on Mirza (Jaaved Jaaferi), the local tea-stall proprietor who serves as the film's wise sage—astute, humorous, and privy to the secrets of the community, yet unable to sidestep the political upheavals. Mirza offers chai accompanied by poetry, insight, and just the right touch of “I told you so.” If wisdom had a visage, it would likely resemble Jaaved Jaaferi’s, complete with a beard that has witnessed more history than your academic textbooks. His witty remarks are sharper than a samosa’s edge, and his character serves as the film’s true linchpin, holding the narrative together like a worn yet functional dupatta.

Introducing Hariya (Vivaan Shah), the vegetable seller who is more captivated by Instagram reels than by the produce he sells. Indeed, nothing embodies “serious drama” quite like a man striving for the ideal angle for his carrot selfies. His romantic entanglement with Shabbo (Avantika Dassani) resembles the unexpected combination of pineapple on pizza—surprising, somewhat perplexing, and prompting one to reconsider their life choices. Shabbo, an orphan with a heart of gold and a pragmatic demeanor, consistently rebuffs Hariya’s advances with the poise of someone who has encountered that pickup line more times than she has enjoyed a cup of chai. Their love story appears to be an unnecessary subplot, seemingly included because someone thought, “What if we introduced some superfluous teenage angst?”

Then there’s the local politician, Ajay Tiwari, whose primary role seems to be creating chaos (and not the chai kind, unfortunately). His scenes serve as a tutorial on “How to Appear Menacing While Holding a Tea Cup.” His henchmen resemble those typical sidekicks in Bollywood films who contribute little beyond standing around, flexing their muscles as if auditioning for a fitness commercial. The film attempts to illustrate how politics permeates even the simplest communities, yet it often feels like a bothersome mosquito—irritating but not particularly innovative.

While Inn Galiyon Mein strives to be the cinematic equivalent of a heartfelt ‘Yaari’ song, it occasionally veers into cliché territory. The film’s central theme—brotherhood, unity, and the erosion of simple pleasures due to political meddling—is commendable. However, the execution resembles someone attempting to dance with two left feet. The film meanders through the romantic subplot, as if questioning, “Is this really necessary?” Spoiler alert: It is not.

Nevertheless, Mirza’s poetic insights and the effortless charm of Lucknow’s streets compensate for some of the film’s shortcomings. The dialogue resonates with authenticity, the backdrop is visually appealing, and Jaaved Jaaferi’s performance is akin to that ideal cup of chai—you may not realize how much you needed it until you experience it.

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