Ejareh-Nesheenha

Iranian film 'Ejareh-Nesheenha' is one of those rare films which gives viewers an idea about the rapid urbanization of Iranian capital Tehran and its socioeconomic impact on its ordinary citizens. Most of the film is set in a house needing immediate repairs which is believed to be the prized possession of not only two brothers who are constantly bickering but also of some dispossessed tenants who do not seem to have means to afford any other kind of housing. As a film making nation which takes pride in taking good care of its censorship authorities, Iranian cinema has been successful in learning the art of avoiding controversial topics in order to displease its censors. This might be one of the plausible reasons for the dearth of comedy films in the annals of Iranian cinema. However, it is solely through its ingenuity that 'The Tenants' has been hailed by both critics as well as viewers as one of Iranian cinema's best box office success for a comedy film. Featuring an excellent comedy of observation, in many ways 'The Tenants' marked the departure of artistic sensibilities for Iranian director Dariush Mehrjui as almost all his previous films dealt with serious topics. However, it is sad to note that the success of a comedy film like 'The Tenants' has not been favorably received by other Iranian cineastes as after its shooting, not many comedy films were made or are being made in Iran.