Teenage struggles can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, and this film brings that intensity to the big screen in a heartfelt and relatable way. Set in the lively world of high school, this coming-of-age dramedy centers around a 14-year-old girl grappling with the usual teenage dilemmas in the picturesque setting of Shimla, against a backdrop of family dynamics, school life, and growing up. Directed by Sonam Nair, the film stars Riya Vij in the titular role, supported by a cast of fresh faces and a few well-known names. The movie’s genre sits comfortably in the family drama and teen comedy space, catering to both young adults and anyone who remembers the awkwardness of adolescence.
The story revolves around Gippi, an overweight, awkward teenager who is not just struggling with her physical appearance but also the emotional turmoil of her parents’ separation. As Gippi stumbles through school life, dealing with bullies, crushes, and self-esteem issues, her journey reflects the many facets of teenage existence. Along the way, she faces challenges both social and personal, from fitting in with her peers to embracing her true self. While there’s a typical “mean girl” antagonist and a handsome crush in the mix, the film’s heart lies in Gippi’s journey of self-acceptance and the close bond she shares with her family. Without giving away the climax, the story’s arc is a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and growing up.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is Riya’s portrayal of Gippi. As a debutant, she brings a natural innocence to the role, perfectly capturing the vulnerability of adolescence. Her expressions are unpolished, but that works in her favor, making her character feel authentic. Whether it’s her struggles to fit into school life or her awkward encounters with her crush, Riya’s performance evokes empathy. The way she handles moments of insecurity, especially in scenes where Gippi compares herself to her slimmer, more “perfect” peers, is both heartbreaking and relatable. What’s particularly commendable is how Riya manages to balance Gippi’s awkwardness with a quiet strength, showing her growth as the story progresses. The supporting cast, including Taaha Shah as the popular heartthrob Arjun and Jayati Modi as the stereotypical mean girl Shamira, plays their parts convincingly. Taaha’s character provides the necessary romantic element, but it’s Shamira who drives much of the conflict with her unapologetic bullying, a necessary foil to Gippi’s underdog narrative.
From a directorial standpoint, Sonam Nair does a commendable job of maintaining a light tone while addressing heavier themes such as body image, bullying, and divorce. The direction ensures the film never becomes too somber or melodramatic, even when dealing with these sensitive issues. The pacing is steady, and the story unfolds at just the right speed, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The school sequences are lively, filled with color and energy, which provides a good contrast to Gippi’s personal moments of reflection. The editing complements this pacing well, cutting between school antics and family drama seamlessly, ensuring that neither element overshadows the other.
The film’s cinematography by Anshuman Mahaley beautifully captures the charm of Shimla, with its scenic landscapes providing a peaceful backdrop to the more chaotic life of Gippi. The visual palette is bright, filled with the vivid colors of adolescence, which adds to the film’s overall tone of optimism and energy. From the wide, sweeping shots of Shimla’s hills to the intimate, close-up moments in Gippi’s home and school, the camera work highlights both the external and internal worlds of the protagonist. The scenes set in Gippi’s home are warm and inviting, reinforcing the comfort she finds within her family, despite the ongoing turmoil of her parents’ separation.
The film’s soundtrack is catchy, with upbeat tunes that match the youthful energy of the narrative. Tracks like “We Are Like This Only” perfectly capture the rebellious and carefree attitude of adolescence, while the softer numbers accompany Gippi’s more introspective moments. The background score enhances the emotional beats without overpowering them, especially in the film’s more sensitive scenes. The music blends well with the story, helping to accentuate both the high-energy moments and the quieter, more emotional ones.
Costume design plays an essential role in defining the characters, particularly in Gippi’s case. Her loose-fitting clothes, sneakers, and general disregard for appearance highlight her initial lack of confidence, while the sharper, more polished outfits of Shamira signify her social standing. The contrast between the two is visually apparent, helping to further define their characters without overtly stating it. As the film progresses, Gippi’s wardrobe subtly evolves, reflecting her growing self-awareness and confidence, even though it never veers into anything too glamorized or unrealistic.
One notable aspect is how the film addresses body image and self-esteem. Unlike many Bollywood movies, this one doesn’t attempt to conform Gippi into a socially “acceptable” mold by the end. There is no magical transformation where she suddenly becomes slim or perfectly styled. Instead, the focus is on inner transformation—Gippi learning to accept herself, flaws and all. This is a refreshing take in an industry often obsessed with physical appearance, and the message of self-acceptance will resonate with many young viewers.
Another strong theme in the film is the portrayal of family. Gippi’s relationship with her mother, played by Divya Dutta, is a touching highlight. The mother-daughter bond is shown with warmth and humor, with Divya’s character balancing the roles of friend, confidante, and parent. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the strain divorce can have on children, but it also emphasizes how strong familial bonds can provide support in difficult times. This dynamic adds depth to the otherwise light-hearted film, grounding it in reality.
On the downside, the film does have moments where it leans a little too heavily on clichés. The portrayal of school life, with its stereotypical “mean girls” and high school crushes, feels somewhat formulaic, especially if you’re familiar with teen dramas. Additionally, the resolution of certain conflicts is predictable, leaving little room for surprises. However, these minor shortcomings are balanced by the film’s overall heart and its earnest portrayal of teenage struggles.
In conclusion, this movie is a charming and sincere take on the highs and lows of adolescence. With a strong central performance by Riya and a well-balanced mix of humor and emotion, it provides a relatable and heartwarming story of self-discovery. While it may not break new ground in the teen drama genre, its refreshing honesty and focus on body positivity set it apart from more formulaic offerings. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good movie that celebrates imperfections and the journey to self-acceptance, this film is well worth your time. Ideal for family viewing or for anyone reminiscing about their awkward teenage years, it delivers both laughs and life lessons in equal measure.
