Watch Banjo

Banjo is a musical drama film directed by Ravi Jadhav, which stars Riteish Deshmukh, Nargis Fakhri and Aditya Kumar. The movie depicts the story of a banjo player, street performer and his friends who form a band to compete in a music competition in New York City. The film is set in Mumbai and revolves around the life of a banjo player, Tarat (Riteish Deshmukh) who plays the traditional instrument at weddings and other events for a living. Tarat, along with his band mates, Grease (Dharmesh Yelande), Paper (Aditya Kumar), and Vaajya (Banjara, the lead singer of the band) are passionate about their music, but are not taken seriously by the city's elite. Tarat's life changes when Christina (Nargis Fakhri), a New York-based DJ, approaches him to participate in a music competition in the United States.

Tarat and his band, accompanied by Christina, travel to New York City to compete in the music contest. The band faces numerous challenges, including cultural differences and fierce competition from other bands. They struggle to impress the audience, but gradually gain momentum and gather a following. Tarat falls in love with Christina, but she is taken aback by his simple lifestyle and does not reciprocate his feelings.

The film draws parallels between the urban underground music scene in Mumbai and New York. It highlights the struggles faced by artists who are marginalized by mainstream culture and the importance of cultural exchange. Banjo aims to showcase the beauty of banjo music and how it is an integral part of the Indian culture.

Riteish Deshmukh shines in his role as Tarat, a lovable and talented banjo player. His performance as a street performer is both charismatic and entertaining. The chemistry between Deshmukh and Fakhri is subtle and sweet. Nargis Fakhri essays the character of Christina with ease, playing the vivacious and unconventional music producer with aplomb. She brings a modern touch to the story, making it relatable to the younger generation.

Aditya Kumar as Paper brings a touch of humour to the story, while Dharmesh Yelande as Grease delivers an impressive performance as the band member struggling with his hearing loss. The film benefits from a notable supporting cast such as Mohan Kapur and Luke Kenny, who add depth and layers to the story.

The music is the real star of the movie, with foot-tapping numbers that combine the traditional Indian sound of the banjo with contemporary western beats. Vishal-Shekhar have expertly blended the sounds of different cultures, creating a unique sound that complements the energy of the film.

The cinematography is stunning, with scenes shot in both Mumbai and New York City. The editing is crisp, making the story flow effortlessly. Director Ravi Jadhav has managed to capture the essence of the modern day India, showcasing the country's dynamic music scene and the energy of its youth.

Banjo is a heart-warming story of friendship, love, and music. It inspires the audience to pursue their passions, irrespective of societal norms. It highlights the importance of cultural exchange and shows how music can bridge the gap between different cultures. The movie is a must-watch for music lovers and anyone who wants to experience the vibrant display of Indian culture on the big screen.

Banjo is a 2016 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.