My Melbourne Review: Kabir Khan’s Setara Shines in a Tale of Resilience

• Language: English with regional languages like Hindi, Bengali, Dari, and Auslan
• Age Rating: UA (Suitable for viewers above 12 years with parental guidance)
• Runtime: 119 minutes
• Genre: Drama, Anthology

My Melbourne is a unique anthology film that brings together four acclaimed Indian filmmakers—Kabir Khan, Onir, Rima Das, and Imtiaz Ali—to tell stories of identity, belonging, and representation. Set in the multicultural city of Melbourne, the anthology explores themes of race, sexuality, disability, and gender through four distinct yet interconnected narratives. With its heartfelt storytelling and nuanced performances, My Melbourne offers a cinematic experience that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

Plot Overview

Each segment of My Melbourne is inspired by true stories of migrants in Australia. The anthology sheds light on underrepresented voices while celebrating diversity and resilience.

1. Nandini (Directed by Onir)
   This story follows Indraneel, a queer man living in Melbourne with his partner. The narrative delves into his strained relationship with his father, who visits after the death of Indraneel’s mother. Through their interactions, the film addresses themes of grief, acceptance, and reconciliation in a deeply personal yet universal way.
2. Jules (Directed by Arif Ali; Creative Director: Imtiaz Ali)
   Jules explores the unlikely friendship between Sakshi, a newlywed Indian woman working in Melbourne, and Jules, a homeless woman she meets outside her workplace. The story highlights Sakshi’s feelings of displacement in a new city while addressing societal expectations and personal struggles.
3. Emma (Directed by Rima Das)
   Emma is the poignant tale of a young girl with a hearing condition who dreams of becoming a dancer. The film tackles discrimination and self-doubt while emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and following one’s passion.
4. Setara (Directed by Kabir Khan)
   The standout segment of the anthology, Setara tells the story of an Afghan refugee rebuilding her life in Melbourne through her love for cricket. It is a powerful narrative about race, discrimination, and resilience that leaves an indelible impact on viewers.

What Works

✅ Diverse Themes: Each story addresses important social issues—sexuality, displacement, discrimination, and race—making the anthology relevant and relatable.

✅ Authentic Performances: From Setara Amiri’s heartfelt portrayal of her real-life journey to Arushi Sharma’s nuanced performance as Sakshi in Jules, the cast delivers compelling performances that elevate the narratives.

✅ Kabir Khan’s Direction in Setara: Khan’s segment stands out for its emotional depth and inspiring storytelling. It captures the essence of resilience while normalizing conversations about race and gender.

✅ Cultural Representation: The inclusion of regional languages like Dari and Auslan adds authenticity to the stories while bridging cultural gaps.

What Could Have Been Better

❌ Pacing Issues: Some segments feel slower than others (Nandini in particular), which affects the overall flow of the anthology.

❌ Lack of Drama in Certain Stories: While Setara excels in emotional engagement, other segments like Emma could have benefited from more dramatic tension to leave a stronger impact.

❌ Inconsistent Transitions Between Stories: The shift from one narrative to another feels abrupt at times, making it harder for viewers to stay immersed.

Direction and Cinematic Style

The anthology benefits from each director’s unique style while maintaining thematic coherence. Kabir Khan’s penchant for underdog stories shines through in Setara, while Onir’s ability to handle sensitive topics with subtlety is evident in Nandini. Rima Das brings her minimalist approach to Emma, creating an intimate portrayal of self-doubt and perseverance. Imtiaz Ali’s creative influence on Jules ensures a balance between emotional depth and relatability.

The cinematography captures Melbourne’s multicultural landscape beautifully, adding visual richness to each story. However, some transitions between segments could have been smoother to enhance narrative continuity.

Final Verdict

My Melbourne is an ambitious anthology that succeeds in sparking meaningful conversations about representation and identity. While it falters with pacing issues and inconsistent transitions between stories, its heart is in the right place. With standout performances—especially from Setara Amiri—and thoughtful storytelling, it leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 Stars)

Should You Watch It?

If you enjoy socially relevant cinema that explores diverse themes with sensitivity and nuance, My Melbourne is worth your time. While not perfect, it offers moments of brilliance that make it an engaging watch for those seeking meaningful storytelling.

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