Made in China Movie Review: A Hilarious Tale of Business Dreams and Schemes

Gujarati jugaad, Chinese secrets, and a whole lot of hilarity – that’s the essence of Mikhil Musale’s Made in China, a Bollywood comedy with an entrepreneurial twist. Starring Rajkummar Rao as a struggling Gujarati businessman who stumbles upon a novel business idea during a trip to China, this quirky romp takes viewers on a wild ride of ambition, ingenuity, and uproarious misadventures. Made in China may not be a flawless film, but it’s an entertaining watch buoyed by Rao’s infectious energy and the story’s oddball charm.

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The Rao Factor

At the heart of Made in China’s appeal is the ever-brilliant Rajkummar Rao. As Raghuvir Mehta, a down-on-his-luck entrepreneur from Ahmedabad, Rao infuses the character with his trademark blend of goofiness and sincerity. Whether he’s hawking Nepali carpets or Chinese aphrodisiacs, Rao’s Raghu is an endearing everyman – flawed yet well-meaning, naive yet resourceful. It’s a performance that anchors the film’s wackier elements in relatable human emotions.

Some of the film’s funniest moments stem from Rao’s expert comic timing and expressive face. In one scene, a flustered Raghu tries to explain the concept of a “soup-o-sitree” (suppository) to his straight-laced uncle, leading to a hilarious mix-up involving soup and groceries. Rao milks the misunderstanding for maximum laughs, his wide-eyed bewilderment and frantic gestures adding to the comedy.

Gujarati Ingenuity Meets Chinese Secrets

Made in China draws much of its humour and heart from its cultural specificity. Set primarily in Ahmedabad, the film is steeped in Gujarati milieu, from the characters’ heavily accented Hindi to the frequent references to dhokla and fafda. But this regional flavour isn’t just superficial – it’s intrinsic to the story’s central theme of entrepreneurship.

As the film posits, the Gujarati penchant for business and risk-taking is both a boon and a bane. On one hand, it fuels Raghu’s tireless drive to succeed despite repeated failures. On the other, it leads him into shady deals and questionable choices. When a chance encounter in China introduces him to the lucrative world of aphrodisiacs, Raghu sees it as his golden ticket. Never mind that the key ingredient is the dubious “Tiger Penis” – entrepreneurial opportunism trumps all else.

The China connection provides some of the film’s most interesting cultural insights. Raghu’s wide-eyed wonder at China’s manufacturing might, and his bumbling attempts at business negotiations offer a wry commentary on India-China dynamics. A sequence where he marvels at the dizzying efficiency of a Chinese factory assembly line is particularly effective, highlighting the stark contrast to his own small-scale, jugaad-driven operation back home.

The Quirky Supporting Cast

While Rao is undoubtedly the star, Made in China benefits from a colourful supporting cast that adds to the film’s quirky texture. Mouni Roy, as Raghu’s feisty wife Rukmini, is a scene-stealer, her expressive eyes and sassy comebacks providing a perfect foil to Rao’s haplessness. Paresh Rawal and Gajraj Rao, as a shady doctor and a seasoned sexologist respectively, bring their veteran chops to the table, elevating even the silliest of scenes with their deadpan delivery.

Boman Irani, playing a flamboyant businessman with a penchant for ill-fitting wigs, is a hoot. His character’s outlandish schemes and bizarre accent are played for broad laughs, but Irani’s commitment to the absurdity is commendable. A scene where he dramatically reveals his bald head during a sales pitch is a masterclass in physical comedy.

The Not-So-Smooth Patches

For all its charms, Made in China isn’t without its flaws. The film’s pacing is a bit uneven, with some of the plot pivots feeling somewhat contrived. The climactic sequence, in particular, strains credulity with its convenient resolutions and sudden character changes.

The treatment of the aphrodisiac angle, too, could have been sharper. While the film mines plenty of laughs from the taboo subject, it misses the opportunity to really dig into the social and cultural implications of sexual wellness products in a conservative society. The jokes around “performance issues” and “penis sizes” are amusing enough but feel a tad superficial in the larger scheme of things.

The Feel-Good Factor

Despite these rough edges, Made in China succeeds as a breezy, feel-good entertainer. Much of this is due to the film’s underlying message of never giving up on one’s dreams. Raghu’s entrepreneurial journey, for all its twists and missteps, is ultimately an inspiring one. The film celebrates the spirit of innovation and resilience, even if it comes wrapped in a goofy, slapstick package.

The movie also touches upon the importance of spousal support in a light-hearted yet meaningful way. Rukmini’s unwavering belief in Raghu, even when his business ideas seem outlandish, is heartening to watch. Their relationship dynamics, with its mix of bickering and genuine affection, feels relatable and rooted.

And that’s really the key to Made in China’s appeal – its ability to find pockets of authenticity and emotion amidst all the zaniness. For all its exaggerated characters and situations, the film has a heart that beats for the underdog, the dreamer, the eternal optimist. Raghu’s indomitable spirit, even in the face of repeated failures and ridicule, is a testament to the enduring power of self-belief and perseverance.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a Bollywood buff, or just someone in need of a good laugh, Made in China is worth a watch. It may not be a perfect film, but it’s a perfectly entertaining one. And in the end, isn’t that what cinema is all about – to let you dream, laugh and feel? So go ahead, book that ticket to China (made in Mumbai) and enjoy the ride. And hey, if you need a reliable way to watch Made in China full movie or any other latest Bollywood flicks whenever you like, Airtel DTH has you covered with its extensive movie library and hassle-free viewing experience.

FAQ

1. Is Made in China based on a true story?
   While inspired by real-world entrepreneurial journeys, Made in China is a fictional story crafted for the big screen.

    

2. Where was Made in China movie primarily filmed?
   The movie was extensively shot in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, with some key portions filmed in China.

    

3. What is the main theme of Made in China?
   At its core, Made in China is a humorous exploration of the entrepreneurial spirit and the lengths people go to chase their business dreams.

    

4. Is Made in China suitable for family viewing?
   With its risque subject matter and adult humour, Made in China is best suited for mature viewers and may not be appropriate for children.

    

5. How was Rajkummar Rao’s performance in the movie?
   Rajkummar Rao delivers a standout performance in Made in China, infusing his character with the perfect blend of wit, vulnerability, and relatable charm.