'Dining With Kapoors' review: Netflix special is flawed but watchable
What's the story
The Netflix special Dining With The Kapoors, which premiered on Friday, features several members of Bollywood's first family. Ranbir Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Neetu Kapoor, among many others, come together to honor the legendary Raj Kapoor on his 100th birthday. Created by Raj's grandson Armaan Jain, the hour-long documentary is directed by Smriti Mundhra (The Romantics).
#1
The family's tribute to Raj is heartfelt and emotional
Raj's shadow looms large over the documentary, almost as if he never left. As a free-flowing conversation, the project isn't always sturdy, but as a heartfelt tribute to the showman who redefined Hindi cinema, it's always genuine and authentic. One of the brightest, most emotional moments is Raj's daughter, Rima, playing Jane Kahan Gaye... on piano, paying tribute to her deceased family members.
#2
More on the above aspect
Kapoor Khan, Ranbir, and Rima keep the documentary going. The family rewinds the clock; we see Raj with industry veterans, playing with little Ranbir and Karisma, and hosting lavish parties that eventually became one of Bollywood's biggest attractions. DWTK is reminiscent of Koffee With Karan and Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, and there's so much material that it could have been a 3-part series.
#3
You think you know all the Kapoors? Think again
While Karisma, Ranbir, Neetu, etc., are already popular, the special also introduces us to several other family members who are usually away from the spotlight. In fact, a brief segment is devoted to explaining the complex family tree. However, not everyone has been accorded the same attention. Zahaan Kapoor and his father, actor Kunal Kapoor, feature in the special, but just barely.
#4
Feels a little too curated
Who're the Kapoors when the world isn't watching? How do they navigate life, away from Bollywood's glamor? If you're looking for well-defined answers to these questions, look away. This is a carefully manufactured, curated documentary; everyone is excited and bubbles with excitement, yes, but some conversations feel too mechanical and stilted. They are better suited for a film, not a documentary.
#5
Mundhra lets many opportunities slip by
The documentary teases some interesting ideas, but then never explores them. For instance, Jain briefly shares how he wanted to carry forward his family's legacy but failed at acting. There's another poignant scene when Randhir Kapoor misses his late brothers, Rishi and Rajiv, but Mundhra never does anything with such vulnerable moments.
Verdict
Nothing extraordinary, but fairly watchable; 3/5 stars
Dining With The Kapoors is far from perfect and sometimes feels like a missed opportunity, considering it's mostly devoid of new revelations. There isn't enough of Saif Ali Khan and Karisma, and the camera remains busy with Rima and Jain. Nonetheless, this fast-paced and warm documentary always teems with nostalgia and genuine emotion, and sometimes, that's all that matters. 3/5 stars.