Cast: Aahana Kumra, Shruti Vyas, Pooja Pradaan, Nivedita Bhattacharya, Naseeruddin Shah
All you sleep deprived people...what if you get to buy sleep!
Story: Based on his play by the same name, the hypothetical theme of Makarand Deshpande's film is highly relevant to the 'poor' quality of life urbanites lead. Lack of sleep and peace being major issues, the film addresses this problem and offers solution in the form of 'Sona Spa'. A spa, where the insomniacs can buy sleep from sleep workers! They sleep on your behalf thus enabling you a better life.
However, there's a catch. The girl, who sleeps for you, also gets a direct access to your dreams and deep secrets...things you would never want to share otherwise! The film then traces the complicated lives of the clients and their sleep workers. It's a tale of regrets and redemption, love and lies and above all friendship.
As sleep workers Rucha (Shruti Vyas), Meenakshi (Nivedita Bhattacharya) and Ritu (Aahana Kumra) discover the hidden thoughts of their clients, they also battle the tragedy of their own lives. While a rebellious Rucha struggles to deal with her alcoholic father, Ritu hopes for a miracle that would save her dad from dying and former sex-worker, Meenakshi hopes for a better future.
The film mirrors the kind of lives we lead today. Through humour, it addresses the gravest tragedy. It also makes us wonder if it's better to live a lie instead of succumbing to the harsh reality. The concept is great, but the execution could have been better. Sleazy Mr Choksi (one of the clients), Meenakshi's shayari and never-ending philosophies, Ritu's sister's marital woes...various sub-tracks fail to engage you.
Theatre actors, Aahana Kumra, Shruti Vyas, Nivedita Bhattacharya act well. Aahana will remind you of Anushka Sharma. She is as effervescent and earnest. Pooja Pradhan (as the woman in charge of the spa), fits the bill. Naseeruddin Shah as the spiritual babaji, who says, 'In Ssssooonaaa Sppppaa, girls don't sleep with you but for you' evokes laughter.
Sona Spa is 'futuristic' yet relevant to current times. Sona Pranam!
