"Romesh Ranganathan "

9 October 2023

1 min 46s

Mental Wealth

When acquiring a celebrity spokesperson, brands walk a fine line between flattening their personality so much that their presence is pointless, and giving them such free rein that they don't adequately embody the attached company's ethos. Calm seem to have cracked the code with this excellent introduction to their new patron: Romesh Ranganathan.

Known for his curmudgeonly attitude and general distaste for humanity at large, Ranganathan might seem like a strange choice for a charity which encourages people to live happily. His initial response to being given the title - "What the shit is this?" - sums up his demeanour perfectly.

It actually makes him a fitting choice as the organisation's spokesman, as he embodies the way many of us deal with our mental health: begrudgingly, irritably, and quite frankly annoyed that we've been burdened with a mind which can betray us. Much like Ranganathan bemusedly accepts his title, so the audience is asked to seek assistance for their struggles... even if they roll their eyes about it.

The cinematic film comes courtesy of director Calum Macdiarmid, who presents the ceremonial passing of the torch to Ranganathan as akin to him acquiring Batman's cape. The quasi-serious drama is undercut by the comedian's irreverent performance, and an understated but great supporting character in his courier accomplice.

UK

Charities