Cousins is a heartwarming and entertaining family drama movie, directed by British-Indian filmmaker Aadarsh Gopalakrishnan, and released on Netflix in 2021. The movie is a modern adaptation of the French film Les Cousins, which was released in 1959 and directed by Claude Chabrol. Cousins tells the story of three cousins, two sisters and a brother, who are brought together after several years of estrangement due to a family feud. The cousins are from a wealthy entrepreneurial family in Goa, a beautiful coastal state in India, and each has their own unique personality and struggles.
Savio (played by Arjun Kapoor) is a talented musician and the youngest cousin of the three. He has a natural talent for music and dreams of making it big one day. However, he is also dealing with a severe case of anxiety and stage fright, which has been holding him back from pursuing his passion.
Tanya (played by Neena Gupta) is the oldest cousin and the only sister in the family. She has a successful career as a businesswoman and is known for her tough and authoritative personality. However, underneath her façade, Tanya is struggling with loneliness and the burden of being the family's sole breadwinner.
Rudolph (played by Rahul Bose) is the middle child and the only male cousin in the family. He is a successful fashion photographer based in Mumbai and has a reputation for being a charming playboy. However, Rudolph is grappling with his own inner demons, and his carefree lifestyle is not what it seems.
The movie begins with Savio receiving news of his father's sudden demise, which prompts him to return to Goa after several years of living abroad. At the funeral, he reunites with his estranged cousins, and the three of them are forced to confront their unresolved issues and past traumas.
As they spend time together, they realize that they still have a strong bond and a deep love for each other, despite their differences. Over the course of the movie, Savio, Tanya, and Rudolph help each other overcome their fears, heal old wounds, and rediscover the joys of family and togetherness.
The movie is filled with beautiful and poignant moments that will tug at the heartstrings of viewers. It explores themes of family, love, regret, and forgiveness, and does so with great sensitivity and depth. The actors deliver powerful performances that are both nuanced and authentic, and the chemistry between them is palpable.
The cinematography of the movie is also worth mentioning, as it showcases the beauty of Goa and its vibrant culture. The music is another highlight of the movie, and Arjun Kapoor's rendition of the classic Goan folk song "Dil Tera Hai Main Bhi Teri Hoon" is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Overall, Cousins is a must-watch movie for anyone who loves family dramas and heartfelt storytelling. It is a testament to the power of forgiveness, healing, and the enduring bonds of family, and is sure to leave a lasting impact on anyone who sees it.
Cousins is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.
