My Melbourne movie review: An engaging anthology film that celebrates diversity and hope
My Melbourne movie review: Set in Melbourne, the unique project has four short films directed by Onir, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das and Kabir Khan who worked with an inclusive cast and crew
Rating: 3 out of 5
Written by Alaka SahaniMarch 14, 2025 10:42 AM IST
4 min read
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My Melbourne movie review: My Melbourne's four segments -- Nandini, Jules, Emma and Setara -- are moving explorations of the characters' sense of self and identity.
What stays with the viewer after watching My Melbourne, an anthology comprising four short films, is the journeys of people who made the Australian coastal town their home and their resilience as they rebuild a life there. Since the anthology is a celebration of ‘diversity’, with each film inspired by a true story, the filmmakers shift their focus to migrants whose experiences often don’t feature in the mainstream narrative.
My Melbourne’s four segments — Nandini, Jules, Emma and Setara — are moving explorations of the characters’ sense of self and identity. These stories also tackle ‘diversity’ as the narratives touch upon issues related to race, gender, sexuality and disability. The established names in Indian cinema — Onir, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das and Kabir Khan — who have taken up the challenge of telling these stories on screen, are ably aided by an inclusive cast and crew. This sets My Melbourne apart from its predecessors, such as Paris je t’aime (2006), where filmmakers look at life in another city and tell a story set there.
Nandini, directed by Onir, is the story of Indraneel, a queer author who is reunited with his estranged father after his mother’s death. The compact home that Indraneel shares with his partner becomes the space that brings the father and the son face to face, quite literally. They must be at ease with each other’s presence before reconciling and finding themselves in an open space amidst nature as they perform the last rites for Indraneel’s mother.
Watch My Melbourne movie trailer here:
Co-directed by Arif Ali and Imtiaz Ali, Jules unfolds like a coming-of-age story. Newly-wed Sakshi (Arushi Sharma) is struggling to find her feet at her workspace, a restaurant, and getting used to the ways of an unfamiliar city. Having an uncaring husband doesn’t help. Sakshi finds unlikely inspiration in Jules, a homeless woman she encounters near her restaurant.
With Emma, directed by Rima Das, the focus is more on the internal struggle of the titular dancer (played by Ryanna Skye Lawson), who has undergone a cochlear implant and is losing her vision. The story follows Emma’s struggle to let go of her self-doubt as well as find a way to express herself and enjoy dancing.
The last story of the anthology, Setara, is also the one that will give the viewers an adrenaline rush. Its protagonist Setara (played by Setara Amiri) follows the actor’s real-life story of fleeing Afghanistan and coming to Australia as a refugee. The script of Setara, developed with the help of her sisters Monique Nair and Nazifa Amiri, captures the inner strength of this young cricket player. Setara and her family learn to pick up the pieces and embrace the new world while being true to their roots. The shots of Setara bowling with all her heart and athletic prowess are heartwarming to watch.
These stories might be set in Melbourne but the universality of their themes blurs the geographical distinction. Despite being different stories, there is a sense of homogeneity that glues them together. Another binding agent is ‘hope’.
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My Melbourne movie directors: Onir, Arif Ali, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, Kabir Khan & Rahul Vohra My Melbourne movie cast: Arka Das, Arushi Sharma, Kat Stewart, Ryanna Skye Lawson, Setara Amiri, Brad Hodge, Jackson Gallagher, Mouli Ganguly, Jake Ryan, Ella Wilson My Melbourne movie rating: 3/5
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
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