Outhouse review: Sharmila Tagore’s film is based on simplicity and innocence
Outhouse, directed by Sunil Sukthankar, is a touching film exploring themes of companionship, starring Sharmila Tagore and Mohan Agashe in stellar performances. The story follows a grandmother and her grandson on a transformative journey to find their lost dog, which impacts the life of an elderly neighbor.
Release date: December 20, 2024
Outhouse, directed by Sunil Sukthankar and produced by Dr. Mohan Agashe, presents a tender, multi-layered story that explores the themes of companionship, kindness and the untold relationship between humans and animals. Running for less than two hours, the film features stellar performances from Sharmila Tagore and Mohan Agashe.
The story focuses on Adima (Sharmila Tagore), a caring grandmother who raises her grandson Neel (Jihaan Hodar) while his parents are away. Their quiet life takes an unexpected turn when Neil’s beloved dog Pablo goes missing and he eventually takes shelter in the house of his elderly neighbor Nana (Mohan Agashe). Nana, a reclusive man, finds his life disrupted by the unexpected arrival of the dog. As Adima and Neil set out on a mission to bring Pablo back home, an adventure unfolds that changes not only their lives but Nana’s life as well.
Watch the trailer of Outhouse here:
Sharmila Tagore shines as Adima, portraying the character with warmth, wisdom and a spark of mischievous curiosity. She forms a deep connection with Neil, making their bond feel authentic and relatable. Mohan Agashe gives a nuanced performance as Nana, skillfully balancing between his character’s initial gruffness and moments of weakness.
The story takes an unexpected creative turn when Adima narrates her journey in the form of a graphic story, providing a reflective lens for the audience. This adds charm to the story, emphasizing the innocence and kindness that she believes still exists in the world.
Outhouse excels in its simplicity, using quiet moments, subtle dialogue, and delicate visuals to evoke powerful emotions. The bond between the characters – both human and animal – feels natural and effortless. The supporting cast, including Sonali Kulkarni, Neeraj Kabi and Sunil Abhyankar, add depth to the narrative, providing a vital presence to the primary trio’s journey and making the world of Outhouse feel more authentic.
Although the pace of the film is intentionally slow, it enables you to fully absorb each emotion and feel it more deeply.
Outhouse is a heart-warming and thought-provoking film that celebrates the small but important moments in life. It showcases the power of companionship and offers much more than just a family-friendly film; It presents a story with depth and soul.