Abhishek Kapoor takes a huge risk in making an in-your-face film. The story is about the life of male-to- female transgender in a highly misogynistic and patriarchal region of India. Moreover, the lead male is a bodybuilder, which is a testosterone-driven, macho, and chauvinistic profession. The film plays out in these circumstances and situations giving the maker a lot to work with. Manu (Ayushmann) has two sisters who are big advocates of patriarchy, and for the first time, women who are visciously heteronormative.
In my personal experience, North India is seriously homophobic. The fear and anxiety related to flexibility of gender and sexual orientation are very deep compared to the southern regions of India. And this can be witnessed throughout the film. The film does an amazing job of bringing this out in the open and creating awareness about gender dysmorphia and gender/sexual fluidity. Though Manu's character lived up to its expectations, Manvi's character seemed somewhat inconfident and tepid. The deadly pounding of masculine chauvinistic punches could have been fought back with equal aggression. This could've sent a strong message balancing the guilt-driven psyche of transgenderism.
Ayushmann knows his niche and strong suit extremely well and uses it in film after film. He is industry's most intelligent strategist and actor in the way he chooses roles and scripts. Kudos to Vaani in looking, playing and being the part of Manvi - the cast director has hit the bull's eye. The film had to end in a dramatic way as it is a hindi film which was not really necessary. A simlpe sweet thoghtful ending would have continued the main tone of the film. A film important for Indians, especially the law makers.
Rating 3.5 / 5
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