Barah Aana (2009)

Set against the pulsating backdrop of Mumbai, Barah Aana is a compelling narrative of real life, humor, and unexpected crime. It paints a vivid canvas of three unconventional friends - Kedar Shukla, the stoic yet reliable driver; Yadav, a watchman in his 30s who is both a pushover at work and a mischief-maker off duty; and Aman, a young, ambitious waiter with dreams bigger than his tips. Sharing a cramped room and their disparate dreams, their lives are entwined in a dance of playful banter and shared hardships. Kedar, silently bearing the brunt of his employers' abuse, finds solace in his unspoken camaraderie with Yadav and Aman. Yadav, tethered to his family in a distant village, juggles his responsibilities and dreams. Aman, on the other hand, nurses a tender affection for a Caucasian-Italian woman, Kate, and is determined to offer her financial help she desperately needs. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Yadav, grappling with misfortune and desperation, stumbles upon a criminal opportunity. This seemingly harmless misadventure evolves into a series of abductions, small ransom demands, and an ensuing cat-and-mouse game. The taste of easy money and newfound confidence spirals into a dangerous venture that drastically alters their humble lifestyle, and in the process, unveils a side of them they never knew existed. As their antics escalate, Yadav's newfound audacity, Aman's ambitions, and Kedar's silent brooding intertwine in a complex web of secrets and plans. Events spiral out of control, leading them down a path none of them had anticipated. This intricate dance of changing personalities, moral dilemmas, and escalating stakes forms the heart of Barah Aana. Unfolding over a tight 97 minutes, Barah Aana is a captivating tale of friendship, ambition, and consequences, featuring a talented ensemble cast. The film, with its original script, expertly mirrors the paradoxical nature of Mumbai, where dreams are as abundant as the city's hustle, and desperation can lead to unimaginable paths.

Barah Aana is a comedy movie featuring Naseeruddin Shah and directed by Raja Menon.

Barah Aana is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV and it's also available on Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy Barah Aana on Apple TV, Google Play Movies and YouTube.