My Melbourne Movie Review: A Poignant Anthology on Identity and Belonging
My Melbourne (2025) is a collaborative Indo-Australian anthology film that weaves together four distinct narratives, each exploring themes of identity, belonging, and diversity. Directed by renowned Indian filmmakers Onir, Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali, and Kabir Khan, the film offers a multifaceted look at the lives of individuals navigating complex social landscapes in Melbourne.
Cast and Crew of My Melbourne
Directors: Onir, Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Arif Ali, Rahul Vohra
Writers: Nazifa Amir, Shivangi Bhowmick, Samira Cox, Monique Nair, William Duan, Gregory Francis, Arif Ali
Producers: Mitu Bhowmick Lange
Cinematography: Brad Francis
Editing: Rima Das, Irene Dhar Malik, Mitesh Soni
Music: Tamil Rogeon, Anurag Sharma
Production Companies: Screen Australia, VicScreen, Mind Blowing Entertainment, Mind Blowing World, Soundfirm Post Production
Distributor: PVR Inox Pictures (India)
Runtime: 119 minutes
Languages: English, Bengali, Hindi, Dari, Auslan
Country: Australia, India
Main Cast:
- Arka Das as Indraneel
- Arushi Sharma as Sakshi
- Kat Stewart as Jules
- Ryanna Skye Lawson as Emma
- Setara Amiri as Setara
- Brad Hodge as Coach
- Jackson Gallagher as Chris
- Mouli Ganguly as Mihir
- Jake Ryan as Chef Leon
- Ella Wilson as Asia
My Melbourne Movie Review: Plot Overview
My Melbourne comprises four short films, each delving into a specific social theme: sexuality, gender, disability, and race.
- Nandini (Directed by Onir): This segment follows Indraneel, a queer Indian man in Melbourne, who reconnects with his estranged father, Mihir, after his mother’s death. The story explores themes of acceptance, grief, and the complexities of familial relationships.
- Jules (Directed by Imtiaz Ali and Arif Ali): Sakshi, a young Indian woman in a controlling marriage, finds an unexpected friendship with Jules, a homeless Australian woman. Their bond challenges societal norms and highlights the importance of human connection.
- Emma (Directed by Rima Das): Emma, a talented deaf dancer, struggles with self-doubt and discrimination in the dance industry. With support from her mentor Nathan, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
- Setara (Directed by Kabir Khan): Setara, a 15-year-old Afghan refugee, uses cricket as a means to cope with past traumas and integrate into Australian society. The story underscores themes of resilience and the search for belonging.
Performances and Direction
The anthology boasts powerful performances across all segments. Arka Das delivers a nuanced portrayal of Indraneel, capturing the character’s internal conflicts with depth. Arushi Sharma and Kat Stewart share compelling chemistry, bringing authenticity to their evolving friendship. Ryanna Skye Lawson’s performance as Emma is both inspiring and heartfelt, while Setara Amiri brings a raw vulnerability to her role as Setara.
Each director brings a unique voice to their respective stories, yet the anthology maintains a cohesive narrative thread. The filmmakers handle sensitive topics with care, ensuring that each story resonates with emotional truth.
Technical Aspects and Music
Brad Francis’s cinematography captures the essence of Melbourne, juxtaposing the city’s vibrant urban life with intimate character moments. The editing by Rima Das, Irene Dhar Malik, and Mitesh Soni ensures a seamless transition between the diverse narratives.
The music, composed by Tamil Rogeon and Anurag Sharma, complements the film’s emotional landscape. Notably, the title track “Setara,” sung by Afghan singer Aryana Sayeed, adds a poignant layer to the final segment.
My Melbourne Movie Review: Final Verdict
My Melbourne stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in addressing complex social issues. Through its four distinct narratives, the film offers a multifaceted exploration of identity, belonging, and resilience. While each segment varies in tone and style, the anthology as a whole succeeds in delivering a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Watch My Melbourne on YoMovies
Experience the diverse narratives of My Melbourne. Stream it now on YoMovies, your destination for the latest Hindi and international films.
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