Girls Will Be Girls REVIEW: Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal-produced film beautifully sheds light on a mother-daughter relationship

Akankshya Mukherjee

December 18, 2024
12:00 am
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Read our honest review of Girls Will Be Girls starring Preethi Panigrahi, Kani Kusruti and others releasing on Amazon Prime.

Girls Will Be Girls Review

In the conservative backdrop of traditional India, Girls Will Be Girls tells the poignant story of Mira, a gifted student from an elite boarding school. As she navigates the whirlwind of her first experiences with love and desire, she finds herself at odds with her mother, Anila, who is equally drawn to the same captivating young man, Sri.

Set in the 1990s in the serene yet claustrophobic environment of the Himalayas, Mira excels academically while grappling with her burgeoning feelings for Sri, a charming newcomer who disrupts the status quo. The film beautifully captures Mira’s struggle as she reconciles her strict upbringing with her evolving emotions, all while her mother, living nearby, monitors her every move.

As Mira and Sri grow closer, Anila’s unmet desires and unfulfilled life begin to surface. This leads to an unexpected rivalry between mother and daughter. Mira feels a profound sense of betrayal and jealousy, forcing her to confront the complex dynamics of their relationship. She begins to realize that her mother, rather than being an adversary. She is a woman seeking love and affirmation, much like herself. What happens in this teenage romance? Does Mira finally understand her mother Anila? To know the answers one will need to watch Girls Will Be Girls.

What Works

The movie is an interesting take on how our society raises boys and girls. Only specific rules apply to a certain gender and how it affects future generations makes this movie a must-watch. Every character has a development by the end of the film. It’s truly the best movie for a mother-and-daughter duo to watch.

What Doesn’t Work

The overload of information is sure to get a little too much to follow, especially in the last 30 minutes. The heavy dialogue will distract you from important scenes. The pace of the film was a little fast to understand.

Star Performances

Preeti Panigrahi‘s portrayal of Mira is both vulnerable and resilient, capturing the essence of a young woman coming into her own. Her relatable performance earned her the prestigious World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting at the Sundance Film Festival.

Kani Kusruti brings remarkable depth and nuance to the role of Anila, a mother who finds herself caught in the delicate balance between being her daughter’s confidante and her authoritative parent.

Kesav Binoy Kiron captivates Sri, exuding charm that enraptures both Mira and Anila, making him a compelling figure in their intertwined lives.

Conclusion

With breathtaking cinematography that highlights the tension between tradition and personal freedom, the film powerfully explores the stifling of female sexuality within patriarchal confines. Through a naturalistic lens, director Shuchi Talati presents a nuanced portrayal of women’s struggles and the intricate bonds of motherhood and daughterhood amidst societal expectations.

While reflecting on themes of desire, loyalty, and generational conflict, Girls Will Be Girls stands apart from other coming-of-age tales, by emphasizing the intimate, often painful path of self-discovery within a repressive cultural context. The performances of the lead actors breathe life into this delicate narrative, making it a compelling viewing experience. Hope our Girls Will Be Girls review helps you decide if you will be watching it.

Check out the trailer of Girls Will Be Girls here: