VADAPAV: A Taste of Home Served in London

The Flavour of Simplicity

Some films don’t try too hard — they simply tell a story that feels lived in. Vadapav is one of those. Directed by and starring Prasad Oak in his milestone 100th film, it brings together warmth, wit, and the aroma of nostalgia, all wrapped in the story of an Indian café nestled in the heart of London.

Oak plays the owner of Shree Krishan Vadapav, a small eatery that serves not just Mumbai’s iconic snack, but also slices of life, laughter, and love. An accidental meeting sets the story in motion, and what begins as a casual encounter slowly transforms into a heartwarming exploration of relationships, belonging, and rediscovery.

Performances that Shine

Prasad Oak, both as actor and director, brings his characteristic emotional depth to the film. His portrayal of a man balancing memories and modernity feels honest and grounded. You can sense his personal connection to the material — it’s sincere, not showy.

But the real standout is Gauri Nalawade. She glows in every frame — her character is written with grace, and her performance elevates even the simplest scenes. Her dialogues land beautifully, her expressions are rich, and her emotional graph gives the film its heartbeat.

On the other hand, Shalva Kinjawadekar’s character is a complete letdown. Poorly written and weakly performed, he feels like an unnecessary detour in an otherwise engaging journey. Abhinay Berde and Rikita Shrotri lend decent support, adding youthful charm to the mix.

Story, Screenplay & Direction

The writing by Siddharth Salvi and Bhushan Shelar is straightforward — not exceptional, but engaging enough to hold attention. The story flows with a sense of lightness, peppered with humour and tender moments. Some dialogues hit home, especially those that revolve around cultural identity and emotional distance in a foreign land.

As a director, Oak keeps the tone warm and comforting. There’s no forced melodrama, no unnecessary grandeur — just a slice-of-life narrative cooked with care. The pacing dips slightly in parts, but the emotional payoff and the comic relief balance it out nicely.

Cinematic Texture

London is shot beautifully — not as a glossy tourist postcard, but as a stage where Indian emotion and British calm coexist. The cinematography complements the earthy tone of the story. The music and background score blend effortlessly, adding mood without overpowering scenes.

Verdict: Served Hot with Heart

Vadapav is not a cinematic masterpiece — it’s more like that comforting meal you crave after a long day. Simple, soulful, and deeply satisfying. A film that celebrates emotion over extravagance, and relationships over perfection.

It’s the kind of film that reminds you — no matter how far you go, the taste of home always finds its way back to you.

The film is directed by Prasad Oak under the banner of AB International Films LLP, Merge XR Studio, Victor Movies Limited, and Mohsin Khan Cinema . Amit Basnet, Prajya Kamat, Ameya Khopkar, and Ninad Batin, with Tabrez M. Patel and Sanyas Khakurel serving as co-producers.

⭐️ Rating: 3.5/5 (With that extra 0.5 star reserved for Gauri Nalawade’s stellar performance.)

Watch it for:

– Prasad Oak’s milestone performance

– Gauri Nalawade’s brilliance

– The heartwarming simplicity that feels like a hug in cinematic form