“Zwigato” is a thought-provoking Indian film directed by Nandita Das that sheds light on the gig economy and the struggles of modern-day delivery workers. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly urbanizing India, the film tells the story of a food delivery man and his family as they grapple with financial hardships and the pressures of surviving in an unforgiving economic landscape. It takes a sensitive and realistic approach to the lives of the people who, while being part of a digitally driven world, are often forgotten by the same technology they rely on.
In this article, we will explore “Zwigato” in detail, including its plot, themes, performances, and impact on society. We’ll also examine how the film resonates with contemporary issues, including labor rights, the gig economy, and the human cost of technological advancements.
Plot Summary: A Glimpse into the Life of a Delivery Worker
“Zwigato” follows the life of Manas (played by the acclaimed actor-comedian Kapil Sharma), a delivery rider who works for a food delivery app called Zwigato (a fictional company that mirrors real-life food delivery services like Zomato and Swiggy). Manas is a man from a small town, and after losing his job as a factory floor manager due to the pandemic, he takes up this gig to support his family. His wife, Pratima (played by Shahana Goswami), also tries to contribute to the household income by working as a domestic help.
The film presents a slice-of-life portrayal of how the family adjusts to their new economic realities while dealing with the pressures and exploitation inherent in gig work. Manas’s daily struggles — meeting delivery targets, handling customer complaints, and facing harsh conditions — highlight the dark side of the app-driven gig economy. Pratima’s efforts to balance work and household responsibilities underscore the theme of gender roles and the additional burden placed on women in low-income households.
“Zwigato” doesn’t just focus on the difficulties faced by gig workers but also explores broader social issues such as class disparity, the marginalization of the urban poor, and the psychological toll of working in a system that views human beings as mere numbers in an algorithm.
Themes: Technology, Labor, and Social Injustice
At its core, “Zwigato” delves into the consequences of the growing gig economy, particularly in developing countries like India. The rise of platforms like Uber, Swiggy, Zomato, and others has created new opportunities for employment, but at what cost? The film raises pertinent questions about the exploitative nature of these jobs, which often come with no job security, no health benefits, and no protection against workplace harassment or accidents.
1. The Gig Economy and Exploitation
The gig economy has been praised for its flexibility and the opportunities it provides for those without formal education or prior job experience. However, “Zwigato” paints a more sobering picture of this reality. Gig workers like Manas are paid per delivery, often with little regard for the number of hours they put in or the risks they take while navigating traffic, bad weather, and the constant pressure to meet customer demands.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is how it shows the inhumane nature of algorithms. The app’s rating system, which is meant to evaluate a worker’s efficiency and customer satisfaction, ends up dehumanizing the very people it relies on. Delivery riders are reduced to numbers, and a low rating or negative customer review can mean fewer future assignments or even termination. “Zwigato” brings out the psychological toll this system takes on workers like Manas, who constantly fear losing their only source of income.
2. Economic Inequality and Class Struggle
“Zwigato” also highlights the widening gap between the haves and the have-nots. While technology has improved life for many, it has also exacerbated existing social and economic inequalities. The delivery workers, who bring food to the doorsteps of the middle and upper classes, are often invisible, struggling to make ends meet in a world that sees them as replaceable.
The film subtly critiques the consumerist culture that has grown alongside the gig economy. People ordering food from apps like Zwigato are rarely aware of the effort and hardships faced by the delivery workers, who are often underpaid and overworked. The divide between those who use technology for convenience and those who labor behind the scenes to make that convenience possible is a key theme of the movie.
3. Gender Roles and Women in the Workforce
Pratima’s role in the film offers an important perspective on the gender dynamics of working-class families. As Manas struggles with his precarious job as a delivery rider, Pratima starts working as a cleaner, supplementing the household income. However, her entry into the workforce doesn’t come without challenges. She faces societal stigma and resistance from her family for stepping out of traditional gender roles, where women are expected to be homemakers.
By portraying Pratima’s journey, “Zwigato” touches on the double burden that working-class women face. They not only have to contribute financially but also continue to bear the brunt of domestic responsibilities. The film raises questions about the lack of support for women in the workforce, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
Performances and Direction: A Subtle, Realistic Approach
One of the most surprising aspects of “Zwigato” is the casting of Kapil Sharma, who is best known for his work as a comedian and television host. His portrayal of Manas is a departure from his usual comedic roles, and he delivers a deeply empathetic performance as a man caught in a cycle of exploitation and frustration. Sharma’s portrayal of a working-class man struggling to maintain his dignity is both heartbreaking and relatable.
Shahana Goswami, as Pratima, brings warmth and strength to her character. Her nuanced performance captures the emotional and physical labor women like Pratima endure as they try to balance work, home, and the expectations placed on them by society.
Nandita Das, known for her socially conscious films, directs “Zwigato” with a restrained, realistic approach. She avoids melodrama, instead opting for a quiet, observational style that allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the world of the characters. Das’s direction ensures that the film feels grounded, with moments of everyday life portrayed in a way that is both authentic and poignant.
Impact and Cultural Relevance
“Zwigato” has struck a chord with audiences not just in India but internationally as well, thanks to its universal themes. In an age where gig work is becoming increasingly common around the world, the film highlights the often-overlooked struggles of those who are essential to the system but receive little recognition or reward for their labor.
The film has sparked discussions about labor rights, the ethics of the gig economy, and the need for systemic changes to protect workers in precarious jobs. It also raises important questions about how we, as consumers, interact with and contribute to these systems, often without realizing the human cost behind the convenience they provide.
Conclusion: “Zwigato” as a Wake-Up Call
“Zwigato” is more than just a film about one man’s struggles as a delivery rider; it’s a reflection of the changing dynamics of work in the modern world. It urges viewers to think about the people who are often invisible in the gig economy and to question the ethics of a system that profits from their labor while offering little in return.
By highlighting the stories of people like Manas and Pratima, “Zwigato” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of dignity, fairness, and humanity in an increasingly digital and disconnected world. It’s a film that not only entertains but also educates and encourages dialogue about the future of work and the value we place on those who keep society running behind the scenes.
