Sometimes, survival tales hit closer to home when they focus on ordinary people rather than larger-than-life heroes, and that’s exactly what this film does. Mili stars Janhvi Kapoor in the titular role, along with Sunny Kaushal and Manoj Pahwa. Set in the small town of Dehradun, this thriller drama takes place in the modern day and revolves around the challenges of a young woman who suddenly finds herself in an extraordinary life-threatening situation. It blends elements of survival, family drama, and a subtle romance, all while keeping the tension high.
The plot follows Mili Naudiyal, a 24-year-old nursing graduate who works part-time at a fast-food outlet. Her life is full of warmth, surrounded by her loving father and her boyfriend, Sameer. However, things take a dramatic turn when she accidentally gets locked inside a walk-in freezer at her workplace. With temperatures plummeting and no one around to help, Mili must use all her wits to survive. Her struggle against the cold is as much a physical battle as it is a psychological one. As the story progresses, the film skillfully switches between Mili’s survival struggle and the frantic search efforts by her loved ones, creating an atmosphere of constant tension and uncertainty.
One of the strongest aspects of the film is the performance by Janhvi, who carries the film on her shoulders with a mix of vulnerability and determination. In one of her most challenging roles yet, she perfectly captures the fear and desperation of someone trapped in a life-threatening situation. Her portrayal of Mili, a young woman caught between her family’s expectations and her own dreams, is both relatable and inspiring. Janhvi shines in the scenes where she is alone in the freezer, where minimal dialogue forces her to convey everything through her expressions and body language. The sense of helplessness, followed by bursts of hope and resolve, is brought out wonderfully. Sunny Kaushal, as Mili’s supportive boyfriend, adds emotional depth to the story, though his role is secondary. Manoj Pahwa, playing Mili’s father, is heartwarming, providing a grounded, emotional core to the film, especially as he searches for his daughter.
The direction by Mathukutty Xavier, who also directed the original Malayalam film Helen (on which Mili is based), is tight and effective. His handling of the survival scenes inside the freezer is especially commendable. He builds tension steadily without resorting to unnecessary dramatics, keeping the focus on Mili’s fight for survival rather than over-the-top heroics. The scenes are shot with a claustrophobic intensity, where every breath Mili takes feels labored, and every minute feels like an eternity. This helps in keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout. While the pace of the film is mostly steady, there are moments when the editing could have been sharper, particularly in the parts outside the freezer. These scenes occasionally lose momentum, but once the film locks into the survival mode, it’s gripping.
Visually, the film stands out with Sunil Karthikeyan’s cinematography. The contrast between the cold, sterile interiors of the freezer and the warmth of Mili’s home life is stark. The use of lighting inside the freezer is noteworthy; the cold, bluish tint of the surroundings heightens the sense of isolation and danger. There’s a notable lack of warmth, which makes Mili’s struggle all the more visceral. In contrast, the scenes outside are filmed in warm, comforting tones, highlighting the emotional connections between Mili and her loved ones. The tension in the film is amplified by the use of tight, close-up shots that keep the audience right there with Mili, sharing her panic and her hope.
Music, composed by A. R. Rahman, adds emotional depth to the film. While the songs themselves are not the highlight, it’s the background score that truly elevates the movie. Rahman’s subtle score is used sparingly but effectively, enhancing the emotional beats of the story without overshadowing the narrative. The soundtrack complements the unfolding drama rather than distracting from it, especially in the scenes where silence and sound design take precedence. The silence in the freezer scenes, interrupted by the sound of Mili’s heavy breathing or the mechanical hum of the freezer, adds a layer of suspense that keeps the audience on edge.
The film’s production design also deserves mention. The set design for the freezer is practical yet detailed. Every inch of the small, confined space is used effectively, and the attention to detail makes Mili’s fight for survival feel all the more real. The props inside the freezer, such as the packets of frozen food and shelves, are not just background but become tools in Mili’s desperate attempts to escape. The realistic design helps immerse the audience in her plight, making it feel all the more authentic.
Costume design, though simple, plays an important role in emphasizing the survival aspect. Mili’s everyday clothes, unsuitable for the freezing conditions she finds herself in, make her struggle more relatable. Her gradual physical transformation as the cold takes its toll is subtly reflected through her appearance, adding another layer to the tension.
In terms of flaws, the film’s reliance on certain predictable plot devices is something that holds it back. While the survival thriller aspect is gripping, the scenes involving the police investigation and search efforts could have been more nuanced. These parts feel formulaic at times, sticking to the familiar tropes of concerned family members and uncooperative authorities, which slightly detracts from the otherwise tightly knit narrative. A stronger emphasis on the supporting characters’ motivations and emotional journeys could have added more depth to the film.
Overall, Mili is an engaging survival drama that hooks the audience with its simplicity and emotional weight. It’s not just a story of physical endurance but also one of emotional resilience. Janhvi Kapoor delivers one of her finest performances to date, proving her capability as an actress who can carry a film through sheer emotional intensity. The direction, music, and cinematography come together to create a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps the audience invested from start to finish. While there are minor pacing issues, the film’s heart is in the right place, and it successfully delivers a gripping story of survival.
For fans of survival dramas and character-driven narratives, Mili is a must-watch. It may not be a high-octane thriller, but it delivers an emotional punch and leaves you rooting for the protagonist’s survival. The film is a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary stories come from the most ordinary of circumstances.
