***Contains spoilers***

Progressive, subtle, important, moving and emotional are words which I don’t seem to use about Indian films at the moment, but I absolutely have to use these words about the film I saw last night. Now, I’m no film critic, but I love Indian cinema had to share a few words on this film that’s breaking barriers.

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (When I saw this girl, this is how I felt) is the story of a girl who loves another girl. Its as simple as that, but as we know, love always has its complications.

To my knowledge, this is the first serious, mainstream, non-comedy, same-sex film from a female perspective that has been made. Bravo to Indian cinema for once again pushing the boundaries and making such a well-made and sensitive film that doesn’t go overboard and neither does it feel uncomfortable to watch at any time. In fact, I think it is a film that all generations need to watch. There is so much to learn from the story that is told in so many ways.

Directed by Shelly Chopra Dhar, who is herself a trans woman, the film stars Sonam K Ahuja as the protagonist, Anil Kapoor plays her father and they are supported by Rajkummar Rao, Juhi Chawla and the stunning Regina Cassandra. Sonam and Regina meet at a wedding and fall in love but of course face obstacles in their journey. It’s beautifully shot, set in a small town of Punjab called Moga with music that compliments the film and progresses it forward. But this film isn’t just about same-sex love. It pushes boundaries in so many ways. Divorce, single parents and men wanting to do a traditionally female job are just a couple of things that are addressed in this movie.

Sonam does a wonderful job as the homosexual girl who has never fitted in, and as an actress, this is one of her finest after Neerja. Anil Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao are wonderful in their roles as father and friend respectively. Juhi Chawla was such a pleasure to watch on screen and you kind of become invested in her and Anil’s budding romance which brings a little relief from a heavy subject. Juhi has amazing comic timing and I wanted to see more of her as Chatro ji, the caterer.

Bravo to the whole of the team for making this movie and I really hope it continues from strength to strength.

 

Picture credit – Media House Press

 

Priya Mulji