Prerana Sinha

The film Majama is a brave attempt by Anand Tiwari the Director who attempts to unveil the secret of a middle aged woman's lesbianism much at the behest of her heterosexual daughter who is bent upon making her mother own the truth and not stifle it. The consequent rejection by husband and son doesn't come as a surprise but pretty inevitable. But what comes as a pat on his back is the hypocrisy of the Brahmin American father-in-law of son Bhowmick and the humiliation inflicted on Pallavi by asking questions like whether she's a lesbian, her answer in turn becomes a question when she asks him to define it as she is not; the situation rather becomes comical because she has never been in such a relationship. The film takes intriguing turn with Pallavi's voicing of her distress at the callousness of the menfolk her husband and son who ignore her selfless duties towards them after learning about the fact, it raises questions on men- centric desires and expectations often at the altar of women's dedication and duty, and stilling of their desires. This film is recommended to be watched for the powerful content and wonderful acting skills of Madhuri Dixit but somewhere the film slips into average direction, Gajraj Rao should have been given a stronger presence if one goes by his role in Badhai Ho.

The film "Badhai Do" came as a very bold, admirable move by the directors who come very clear on recognizing the gay and lesbian relationships with which certain persons are born, like heterosexual couples there can be homosexuals. It's time people accept; but more important is for the gay couples to accept its normalcy. Both protagonists are ashamed to announce to their families because they are taboo topics, they are scared to get socially ostracized therefore like conventional partners they marry and try to love like " normal" sexual partners, only to realize they cannot deceive others and can certainly not deceive themselves. The last closing scene sends the message most strongly. Rajkumar Rao, and Bhumi Phednekar seem perfectly suited to their roles and personalities. Sheeba Chadha as Rao's mother looks convincing as a sleepy person but she readily accepts the fact gradually but surely. Other gay characters too have acted well. One may argue for better script or better direction but what makes the film relevant is its subject that gets a refreshing treatment. Love is not for compromises, it only needs acceptance.

Thappad is a film that people will keep going back to refresh their views on what marriage is not about, it will reinforce the steadfastness of father and daughter to remain committed to what is more important as a basic human right, that any kind of violence is not trivial. It is a lesson to be learnt by even the mothers to stand for their daughters and not just validate age old patriarchal norms of keeping marriages alive at any cost.

The film Teesri Kasam is one of the finest films made in India in the 60s, based on Phanishwar Nath Renu's short story Maare Gaye Gulfam. This film is a treat for those who watch Art film, those who have adored Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rahman. It is an iconic example of a film rich in expressions, that are used by a poor uneducated bullock cart driver who has very conventional, innocent outlook as far as women are concerned. Hiramal gets "Gudgudis" after meeting Waheeda Rahman who is the Nautanki dancer of which Hiramal is obliviou. The film is an outstanding example of a strange communication he is unable to make with either the characters or the audience. It is this beauty of the rich, unsaid feelings that leave impending effect on the minds of the audience that makes it a great film. Last but not the least are some iconic songs A must watch for cinema goers who prefer quality film script direction and good acting. T us

Bareilly ki Barfi is a film set in small town that brings out powerful acting of Tripathi and Seema alongside Ayushman and Rajkumar Rao and Kirti who delivers equally well in her apparent first ever leading role. All characters look convincing in their role while audience is left fully satisfied and happy, Ashwini Iyer on the other hand bags accolades for making simple but a brilliant, memorable film for other directors to emulate.