The spark of courage ignites the heart of this socially charged dramedy that dares to challenge deep-seated patriarchy in rural India. Starring Ranveer Singh in the titular role, along with Shalini Pandey, Boman Irani, and Ratna Pathak Shah, the film unfolds in the heartland of Gujarat, blending humor and drama to address serious societal issues. Aimed at family audiences, the film explores themes of gender equality, tradition, and personal freedom within a socially conservative setting.
The narrative follows Jayesh, a mild-mannered man trapped in a patriarchal system that values male heirs above all else. Married to the strong-willed Mudra, played by Shalini, Jayesh finds himself torn between his family’s rigid expectations and his innate desire to do what’s right. When he learns that Mudra is pregnant with a girl—a fact that puts her at risk from his own family—Jayesh takes a stand, embarking on a courageous journey to protect his wife and unborn daughter. This journey, filled with humor, danger, and self-discovery, forms the crux of the story, offering poignant moments without losing its lighthearted charm.
Ranveer delivers an earnest and restrained performance, stepping away from his typically flamboyant roles. His portrayal of Jayesh as a loving husband and reluctant rebel is both endearing and believable. He brings a quiet dignity to the character, making his transformation from passive to proactive a joy to watch. Shalini shines as Mudra, lending the film emotional depth and resilience. Her chemistry with Ranveer is natural and heartfelt, grounding the story in authentic emotions. The supporting cast, particularly Ratna Pathak Shah and Boman Irani as Jayesh’s domineering parents, provide strong performances that effectively highlight the oppressive nature of the patriarchal system.
The direction by Divyang Thakkar is commendable, as he manages to strike a delicate balance between comedy and social commentary. His ability to infuse humor into moments of tension keeps the film engaging while driving home its message. However, at times, the narrative veers toward preachiness, and the pacing falters slightly in the second half, where certain scenes feel repetitive. Despite these hiccups, Thakkar’s storytelling remains impactful, and his debut as a director shows promise.
Cinematography by Siddharth Diwan captures the vibrant landscapes of Gujarat with finesse, blending colorful frames with stark imagery that reflects the contrasting lives of the characters. The rural setting is depicted with authenticity, from the bustling village markets to the wide-open fields that serve as the backdrop for the protagonists’ escape. The visual palette, filled with earthy tones and vivid colors, complements the narrative’s emotional highs and lows.
The music, composed by Vishal-Shekhar, is a mixed bag. While the songs are catchy and infused with Gujarati flavors, they sometimes feel out of place, disrupting the film’s flow. The background score, however, is more effective, subtly underscoring key moments without overshadowing the narrative. Songs like “Firecracker” and “Dheere Dheere Seekh Jaaunga” add a playful vibe to the film but don’t leave a lasting impact.
Costume design plays a significant role in defining the characters. Jayesh’s simple kurtas and Mudra’s traditional attire reflect their rootedness in the culture, while the vibrant outfits of the villagers add a splash of authenticity to the film. The attention to detail in the costumes enhances the visual storytelling, making the characters’ world feel lived-in and genuine.
Editing by Namrata Rao keeps the narrative crisp for the most part, though certain sequences in the second half could have benefited from tighter cuts. The chase sequences, in particular, are stretched longer than necessary, diluting their impact. Despite this, the film manages to hold the audience’s attention, thanks to its engaging performances and compelling storyline.
The film’s strongest aspect is its theme. By tackling the issue of gender discrimination and societal pressure, it brings to light a conversation that’s long overdue in Indian cinema. The narrative cleverly uses humor to expose the absurdities of patriarchal traditions, making the message accessible without becoming too heavy-handed. Jayesh’s journey is not just about standing up for his family but also about unlearning the toxic ideals he’s grown up with—a universal message that resonates beyond cultural boundaries.
However, the film falters in its resolution, which feels overly simplistic given the complexity of the issues it addresses. The climax, while emotionally satisfying, doesn’t provide a nuanced solution to the deeply ingrained problems of patriarchy. This leaves the audience with a sense of incompleteness, as if the film hesitated to delve deeper into the systemic changes required to combat such issues.
This movie is a heartfelt attempt at blending entertainment with social commentary, and while it’s not without flaws, its intentions are noble and its execution earnest. Ranveer’s nuanced performance, paired with Shalini’s strong portrayal, makes the film worth watching. Though the storytelling could have been tighter, the humor and emotional moments ensure it remains an engaging experience. Recommended for families and those seeking a socially relevant narrative, it’s a film that encourages important conversations while providing moments of laughter and warmth.
