Baapya

Review: 'Baapya' is a breath of fresh air, both in its cinematic execution and the sensitive themes that it tackles.

Anil and Shailaja (Girish Kulkarni and Rajshri Deshpande) are childhood friends who make for an odd couple. The tom-boy Shailaja marries Anil on the latter’s insistence. The marriage reaches its fated end and Anil remarries. A revisit from Shailaja, now as Shailesh, turns the entire family and village on its head.

The film introduces a poignant theme but manages to wrap it in laughter and heartwarming moments. It ensures that the topic is treated with the varied perspectives and nuance it deserves. This responsible writing is backed by some thumping tunes and stellar performances from the cast. The casting in 'Baapya' is praiseworthy, with teen versions of Anil and Shailaja being especially spot-on.

Through the duration of the film’s runtime, it raises a realistic depiction of society’s reaction to a culturally taboo topic. The subplot of the son, Sanju, and his struggles in dealing with the gender swap of his absentee mother is represented with grace.

Although the film does rely heavily on montages to move the story, it often is a means to aid the pacing. 'Baapya' manages to keep the attention on the state of the primary characters without playing into melodrama.

Director Sameer Tewari offers the good old movie experience this weekend, one that entertains, while also managing to teach a lasting lesson.