‘Made in Korea’ review: Priyanka Mohan’s Netflix film struggles to find its footing despite a promising premise. Directed by Ra Karthik, the Tamil-Korean-English language film follows Shenba, a young woman from a Tamil Nadu hill town whose obsession with Korean culture leads her to Seoul. What could have been a rich exploration of cultural connection instead becomes a disjointed slog.
Made in Korea, Promising Start That Fizzles
The film’s most inspired visual comes early. Shenba stands atop an elephant, desperately trying to catch a dodgy internet connection to watch K-dramas. It’s a striking image that captures her determination. Unfortunately, director Ra Karthik never explores what specifically about Korean culture resonates with his protagonist.
Beyond the disputed legend of a Korean queen’s Tamil roots, the screenplay shows little curiosity about the Hallyu wave that has swept across India. Korea becomes merely an exotic backdrop for Shenba’s self-discovery rather than a meaningful cultural intersection.
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Made in Korea, Heroine Without Spark
Priyanka Mohan takes a solid stab at playing hapless heroine Shenba. However, her character lacks the spark and madcap energy of Kangana Ranaut’s Rani from the similarly themed “Queen” (2013). Shenba arrives in Seoul only to discover her promised job is a hoax, leaving her stranded and mopey.
The film makes it appear blindingly easy for a clueless foreigner to navigate Seoul. Kind strangers materialize conveniently—first a young man, played by No Ho-jin, and later an elderly woman, portrayed by “Squid Game” actor Park Hye-jin. Shenba discovers community, independence, and purpose in parts of Seoul teeming with improbably good-natured people ready to befriend her.
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Made in Korea, Technical and Narrative Shortcomings
The staging has a slapdash quality throughout. The 113-minute script meanders as aimlessly as its protagonist, lacking the realistic touches and lived-in texture that might have made Shenba’s journey engaging. Most Korean characters feel plucked from fairy tales, barely credible as human beings.
The Indo-Korean Friendship Council couldn’t have orchestrated a more sanitized vision of cultural exchange. Every Korean Shenba meets exists solely to help her, robbing the story of any genuine tension or cultural friction.
Made in Korea Sincere but Sloggy Effort
The film’s evident sincerity can’t overcome its silliness. Beyond potentially boosting South Korean tourism, “Made in Korea” serves little purpose. What could have been a thoughtful meditation on cross-cultural connection and self-discovery becomes a wasted opportunity.
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