As a film enthusiast with a penchant for coming-of-age dramas and a soft spot for stories that resonate deeply, I found Shuchi Talati’s ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ to be an absolute gem. Having spent my formative years in India, the film’s setting and cultural nuances struck a chord with me, reminding me of the complexities and confusion that comes with adolescence.
In Shuchi Talati’s “Girls Will Be Girls”, the film opens with Mira (Preeti Panigrahi), the main character, a mature high school senior, standing before a mirror fixing her hair and applying lotion. A gentle, seductive tune starts playing on the radio, causing Mira to spontaneously dance. As she loses herself in the rhythm, her mother Anila (Kani Kusruti) enters the room, catching Mira off guard in one of those intimate moments from our childhood memories. However, when Mom starts grooving to the music and invites Mira to join, the teenager hesitates before backing away; it’s just too embarrassing for a teenager to dance with their own mother. Anila’s expression sours as the moment of connection fades. The scene, though filled with sweetness, remains enigmatic. Did mother and daughter used to dance together when Mira was younger? Does Anila’s sad look symbolize her acceptance of her child growing up or her own fear of aging?
This film, titled “Girls Will Be Girls,” is a subtly potent Indian drama that feels naturally ambiguous in its power. I had the pleasure of watching it at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, and it stood out as the best picture I saw there. It opens in New York today, with plans to expand across the country soon.
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a hint of something more than puppy love brewing between Mira and Sri. Just like many teenagers before her, Mira seems to be experiencing “deep crush feelings.” Sri is pleasant, courteous, and always does the right things. Given that he resides in a dormitory while Mira lives nearby, Mom has taken it upon herself to help him visit more often. Even Anila, an alumna of this school who still sees herself as young at heart, finds herself drawn to Sri.
In a nutshell, Mira appears to be novice in romantic relationships, while Sri feigns naivety – though it’s evident that he has more experience than he admits, as shown by his tales of a relationship lasting over a year in Hong Kong. For years, Mira has been an exemplary student, and her newfound relationship seems to give her a chance to secretly challenge the school’s rules. However, her refined demeanor as a student also carries over into her personal life. Sri’s polite and well-spoken nature makes Mira believe that their love story is distinct from others – definitely superior to the blossoming romance between Mira’s best friend Priya (Kajol Chugh) and one of her less refined classmates, Vikrant (Aman Desai).
In this film, Talati skillfully handles her first venture as a feature director, tackling sensitive topics with finesse and originality, steering clear from typical coming-of-age tropes and excessive melodrama. The acting is remarkably nuanced, capturing a delicate, spot-on apprehension. Characters move cautiously because they’re exploring feelings they’re uncertain about in an environment that doesn’t tolerate ambiguity, whimsy, joy – or even much pain. Girls Will Be Girls is a subtly powerful production, and it unfolds vividly on screen, much like some of the most impactful films do.
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2024-09-13 20:53