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Poster Boys (2017) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Poster Boys (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 128 min · English
Starring
Sonali Kulkarni, Elli Avram, Bobby Deol, Bharati Achrekar, Ganesh Acharya, Rajesh Bhosle

A mischievous uncle and his quick-witted nephew steal a camper van and set off on a spontaneous road trip across the United States. During their unconventional journey, they face personal challenges and unexpected encounters, ultimately finding that the freedom of the open road offers a chance to refresh their lives and rediscover themselves.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (6)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Poster Boys
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Poster Boys (2017)

Where can you watch Poster Boys? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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6 main characters · contains spoilers

Poster Boys Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Poster Boys (2017), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Jagavar Chaudhary

    played by Sunny Deol

    Jagavar is a retired military officer burdened by family responsibilities and societal standards. He embodies strength and perseverance, often finding himself at the center of conflicts that test his moral compass. His journey reflects the struggle of protecting one's family honor while pursuing justice.

    • 👮‍♂️ Retired Military
    • ⚔️ Protector
    • 🏅 Resilient
  • Vinay Sharma

    played by Bobby Deol

    Vinay, a dedicated schoolteacher, grapples with personal crises that challenge his principles. His character showcases vulnerability and the effects of societal pressures on individual choices. Through his story, the film explores themes of forgiveness and redemption amidst conflict.

    • 📚 Teacher
    • 💔 Torn
    • 🎭 Vulnerable
  • Arjun Singh

    played by Shreyas Talpade

    Arjun is a recovery agent caught in a whirlwind of misunderstandings that threaten his relationship with his girlfriend. His character emphasizes the importance of fighting for one's rights and the strength found in unity. Arjun's journey is marked by passion and a willingness to stand against injustice.

    • 💼 Recovery Agent
    • 🥊 Fighter
    • 💞 Passionate
  • Sunita

    played by Sonali Kulkarni

    Sunita is a supportive yet strong-willed wife who faces her own challenges as her husband's life spirals into chaos. Her character represents the emotional toll that family crises can take on women, showcasing her inner strength and loyalty.

    • 👩‍❤️‍👨 Supportive Partner
    • 💪 Strong-willed
    • 💔 Loyal
  • Surajmukhi

    played by Samiksha Bhatnagar

    Surajmukhi, Vinay's wife, grapples with the fallout of her husband's reckless actions. Her character embodies the struggles many face in relationships, highlighting the themes of betrayal and forgiveness.

    • 👩‍❤️‍👨 Torn
    • 💔 Betrayed
    • 💭 Reflective
  • Riya

    Riya is caught between familial expectations and her love for Arjun. Her character reflects the challenges women often face in navigating personal desires against societal pressures.

    • 💔 Torn Between Worlds
    • 💞 In Love
    • 🌸 Resilient

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:10

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Setting

Where and When Does Poster Boys Take Place?

The setting of Poster Boys (2017): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The time period of the film reflects contemporary societal issues in India, focusing on family dynamics and community pressures. With the influence of modernity clashing against traditional values, the characters find themselves in a world grappling with change and expectation.

Location

Village, District Health Office, Jagavar's Farmhouse

The movie takes place in a small village and the associated district health office. Villages like these are often tight-knit communities where societal norms hold significant sway, often leading to misunderstandings. The district health office serves as a bureaucratic hub, where corruption and mismanagement can negatively impact the residents.

  • 🏡 Village
  • 🏢 Health Office
  • 🌾 Farm

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:10

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3 major themes

Poster Boys Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Poster Boys (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Justice

    The fight for justice is central to the story, as the protagonists battle against false accusations and systemic corruption. Their journey highlights the challenges ordinary citizens face when confronting authority. It underscores the importance of resilience and solidarity in the pursuit of truth.

  • Family

    Family dynamics play a crucial role, affecting decisions and relationships throughout the film. As personal crises unfold, the bond between family members is tested, showcasing the importance of support during trying times. The film also explores the expectations placed on familial honor.

  • Relationships

    The theme of relationships runs deeply through the narrative, highlighting both romantic and familial bonds. Misunderstandings create rifts, while unexpected circumstances lead to revelations about love and commitment. Ultimately, the characters must navigate their connections amidst societal scrutiny.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:10

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Character & theme questions

Poster Boys Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Poster Boys (2017): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the movie set?

The film takes place in a small Indian village, with key scenes set at the District Health Office and Jagavar's Farmhouse. The village represents a tight-knit community where societal norms heavily influence daily life, while the health office serves as a bureaucratic center where corruption impacts residents.

  • village
  • district health office
  • jagavar farmhouse
  • setting
  • india
Q2

When is the story set?

The film is set in contemporary India, portraying a time when traditional values clash with modern influences. This era highlights the tension between family expectations and changing societal norms, with characters navigating the pressures of community standards.

  • contemporary
  • time period
  • india
  • modernity
  • traditional values
Q3

What are the main themes explored?

The movie centers on three major themes: justice (fighting against false accusations and systemic corruption), family (tested bonds and expectations around honor), and relationships (navigating love and commitment amid societal scrutiny). These themes interweave to explore how ordinary people confront authority and personal challenges.

  • justice
  • family
  • relationships
  • themes
  • corruption
Q4

Who is Jagavar Chaudhary and what is his role?

Jagavar Chaudhary is a retired military officer portrayed by Sunny Deol. He carries the burden of family responsibilities and societal standards, embodying strength and perseverance. His journey reflects the struggle to protect family honor while pursuing justice against false accusations.

  • jagavar chaudhary
  • sunny deol
  • retired military
  • family honor
Q5

Who is Vinay Sharma and what does he do?

Vinay Sharma, played by Bobby Deol, is a dedicated schoolteacher facing personal crises that challenge his principles. His character showcases vulnerability and the impact of societal pressures on individual choices, exploring themes of forgiveness and redemption.

  • vinay sharma
  • bobby deol
  • schoolteacher
  • forgiveness
Q6

Who is Arjun Singh and what is his profession?

Arjun Singh, portrayed by Shreyas Talpade, works as a recovery agent who gets caught in misunderstandings threatening his relationship. His character emphasizes fighting for one's rights and the strength found in unity, marking his journey with passion and a willingness to stand against injustice.

  • arjun singh
  • shreyas talpade
  • recovery agent
  • relationships
Q7

How does the theme of justice drive the story?

The fight for justice is central to Poster Boys, as protagonists battle against false accusations and systemic corruption. Their journey highlights the challenges ordinary citizens face confronting authority, underscoring resilience and solidarity in pursuing truth.

  • justice
  • corruption
  • false accusations
  • authority
  • truth
Q8

What role does family play in the movie?

Family dynamics deeply influence decisions and relationships throughout the film. As personal crises unfold, bonds between family members are tested. The story explores the importance of support during difficult times and the expectations placed on familial honor, particularly through Jagavar's character.

  • family
  • familial honor
  • support
  • relationships
  • bonds
Q9

Who are the female characters in the film?

The film features several key female characters: Sunita (Vinay's wife, portrayed by Sonali Kulkarni) represents emotional strength during family crises; Surajmukhi (Vinay's wife, played by Samiksha Bhatnagar) navigates themes of betrayal and forgiveness; and Riya (Arjun's love interest) faces the challenge of balancing personal desires against societal pressures.

  • sunita
  • surajmukhi
  • riya
  • female characters
  • society
Q10

What is the overall tone and mood of the film?

The movie balances dramatic elements with hopeful undertones. While it addresses weighty subjects like forced sterilization and public ridicule, the treatment follows dramatic convention with a hopeful trajectory. The pacing remains steady, moving methodically through conflict toward a happy resolution where all conflicts are favorably resolved.

  • tone
  • hopeful
  • comedy
  • dramatic
  • resolution

Movie threads

More Movies Like Poster Boys, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Poster Boys tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Defiant Underdog Stories like Poster Boys

Ordinary people take on a powerful system in a hopeful, comedic battle for justice. If you enjoyed watching the protagonists fight back in Poster Boys, you'll appreciate these movies about ordinary people taking on powerful systems. This collection features comedies and dramas where frustrated individuals unite for a hopeful, justice-seeking journey, perfect for fans of socially conscious stories.

  • defiant
  • frustrated
  • hopeful
  • comedic
  • united
  • socially conscious
  • Tone: hopeful, defiant
  • Pacing: steady, methodical
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern typically involves an initial injustice that upends the protagonists' lives, sparking a defiant reaction. They then embark on a methodical, often difficult campaign to expose the truth and seek reparation, facing setbacks and finding camaraderie along the way. The arc culminates in a public confrontation or legal victory that validates their struggle and leads to personal redemption.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core dynamic: the emotional mix of righteous frustration balanced by hopeful determination. They feature a steady pacing that builds towards a cathartic resolution, a medium intensity that keeps the stakes high without being overwhelming, and a tone that finds humor and humanity even in the face of adversity.

Road Trip Movies of Renewal like Poster Boys

A spontaneous journey becomes a catalyst for confronting personal problems and finding new beginnings. For viewers who loved the liberating journey in Poster Boys, this list features movies where a spontaneous road trip leads to personal healing. Discover similar stories of characters hitting the road to escape their problems, leading to self-discovery, reconciliation, and a hopeful new start.

  • hopeful
  • mischievous
  • dramatic
  • comedic
  • reflective
  • unconventional
  • Tone: hopeful, reflective
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The journey often begins with an impulsive decision to escape a difficult situation. The physical movement of travel parallels the characters' internal progress as they navigate unexpected encounters and scenic landscapes. Conflicts that were avoided at home are forced into the open, leading to honest conversations and personal growth. The trip concludes not just at a destination, but with a renewed sense of self and clearer direction for the future.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared use of the road trip as a narrative device for character transformation. They consistently feature a steady, reflective pacing that allows for introspection, a medium emotional weight dealing with relatable personal issues, and a ultimately hopeful tone about the possibility of change and second chances.

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Movies Like Poster Boys

Similar movies to Poster Boys: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

Poster Boys (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Poster Boys in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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