RAJKUMMAR RAO REPEATS HIMSELF IN THE SAME-OLD SMALL-TOWN COMEDY

In the 1993 comedy Groundhog Day — the gold standard for time-loop films — Bill Murray finds himself stuck in a nightmare. He wakes up every day in a town he abhors, bumps into people he would rather avoid, and waits for a woodchuck to come out and predict the weather.

- KARTIK BHARDWAJ

In the 1993 comedy Groundhog Day — the gold standard for time-loop films — Bill Murray finds himself stuck in a nightmare. He wakes up every day in a town he abhors, bumps into people he would rather avoid, and waits for a woodchuck to come out and predict the weather. In its most enjoyable bits, Murray throws in the towel. He stuffs his mouth with everything on the menu, punches an old acquaintance before he gets the chance to introduce himself, and presses his lips against his hotel proprietress when she asks him if he would like some coffee. Live like there is no tomorrow. But that wears off soon, and then comes the day drinking, and the suicide attempts.

Groundhog Day isn't just about a man reliving his worst day; it's a metaphor for life itself. Often, we find ourselves caught in a purposeless rut, just getting by, every day like every other day. For Murray, tomorrow finally comes when he decides to give his today in the service of others.

Without any fanfare, the film imparts simple but vital life lessons. Living is all about giving. Nothing changes until we do.