Title: Sharmajee Ki Beti
Director: Tahira Kashyap Khurrana
Cast: Divya Dutta, Sakshi Tanwar, Saiyami Kher, Vanshika Taparia, Arista Mehta, Pravin Dabas, Sharib Hashmi, Ravjeet Singh, Sushant Ghadge
Where: Streaming on Amazon Prime
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Rating: 3 stars
Without strong hooks or flashy premises, no explosive action or dramatic moments, this film invites you into a world that feels intimate and real. It is one of those slice-of-life films- that offer intricate glimpses into the characters' lives, immersing you not through grand visuals but through a palpable sense of presence.
To say that nothing happens in Sharmajee Ki Beti is only half true and quite unfair. Whatever it lacks in a traditional plot, it more than compensates with depth, structure, development, and emotion.
Despite what the title might suggest, the film is a multi-generational ensemble exploring the modern, middle-class female experience, focusing on the lives of urban women who share the common surname, Sharma. Set against the bustling backdrop of Mumbai, their lives are intricately interwoven, each character meticulously crafted and uniquely quirky. They meander, they ponder, they're witty, and they are thoroughly watchable.
Swati (Vanshika Taparia), the teenage daughter of Jyoti (Sakshi Tanwar), grapples with typical teen angst and a persistent fear that something is biologically wrong with her. Her friend Gurveen (Arista Mehta), daughter of Kiran (Divya Dutta), is obsessed with her hair and questions her sexual orientation, believing she might be queer. Meanwhile, Tanvi (Saiyami Kher), Kiran’s neighbour, is a spirited cricketer who harbours feelings for Rohan (Ravjet Singh), a budding actor but is unwilling to compromise on her career. These characters’ narratives are seen from a purely female perspective, addressing themes such as mother-daughter relationships, adolescence, career aspirations, loneliness, and love in all its complexities.
The performances are outstanding, particularly those of Divya Dutta and Vanshika Taparia. Dutta brings a nuanced depth to her role as Kiran, capturing the audience's attention with her effortless portrayal of a woman lonely in an urban milieu. Taparia, as Swati, perfectly embodies the confusion and intensity of teenage years, making her character both relatable and endearing. Saiyami Kher's portrayal of the tomboyish Tanvi is another highlight, her performance striking the right balance between strength and vulnerability.
The male characters, while secondary, provide solid support to the narrative. Sharib Hashmi, as Sudhir, Jyoti’s husband, is the epitome of a supportive spouse. In contrast, Pavin Dabas, as Kiran’s husband Vinod Sharma, adds complexity with his character’s grey shades. Though these aspects are only briefly touched upon, they add to the film’s overall charm. In their roles, Ravjeet Singh and Sushant Ghadge also leave a lasting impression despite limited screen time.
The film, produced by Applause Entertainment, boasts excellent production values, with the music seamlessly blending into the narrative, enhancing the overall experience.
Ultimately, director Tahira Kashyap Khurrana deserves special mention for her heartfelt storytelling and ability to draw out exceptional performances. She astutely tackles unconventional and taboo topics with a blend of humour and sensitivity, making the film resonate deeply with its audience.
