This weekend’s main releases include Dream Girl starring Ayushmaan Khurrana and Section 375: Marzi Ya Zabardasti starring Richa Chaddha and Akshaye Khanna. While one is a comedy-drama film, the other is a courtroom drama. Here are some of the reactions and reviews to help you decide which one is for you this weekend.
This is the IPC section that defines rape and the circumstances in which sexual intercourse would be deemed to be rape. The film is about a filmmaker who is accused of rape by a junior colleague and the courtroom proceedings that ensue. Akshaye Khanna plays the defence lawyer Tarun Saluja, Richa Chadda is the as Public prosecutor Hiral Mehta, Meera Chopra plays the accuser Anjali Dangle while Rahul Bhat is the accused; playing director Rohan Khurana.
The film is well made, gripping and has good performances, according to many reviewers. It also addresses relevant topics such as #MeToo, consent, the problem of fake accusations and so on. But it is not frothy fun so don’t go expecting this from Section 375.
The movie is based on a sensitive issue but is dealt with well, say critics. The cast also receives praise for good performances. I agree that the performances were largely good, though Richa Chadha is reduced to a poorly informed, inexperienced lawyer whose senior repeatedly condescends to her. Sandhya Mridul as Khanna's wife is simply wasted. Also, the movie portrays strong, sustained protests against accused in the case. To imagine that a woman accusing a Bollywood filmmaker of rape would inspire such a groundswell of support is so unrealistic as to be laughable.
When it comes to courtroom dramas, proper insight and research are very important. Some felt that this was on point. I do not. The film showed that a division bench of the appellate (High Court) conducted a trial, with examinations in chief, cross-examinations, went into material evidence. This is the job of the trial court and not an appellate authority such as the High Court, which would at most examine transcripts, hear arguments of lawyers and perhaps entertain affidavits. So this is clearly a case of the filmmakers taking some considerable cinematic liberties.
It is a serious subject and thought-provoking film but not without some glaring flaws: chief among them being the attempt to portray a powerful and entitled man as someone who is easy to victimise. Further, the film's tagline - Marzi Ya Zabardasti - is problematic since it implies consent in cases where the powerful and entitled take advantage of their positions; where consent is absent by definition.
The movie seeks to offer explanations for rape accused; the aggrieved males who feel that the law is prone to misuse and manipulation; who declare themselves innocent of charges. The movie fails on some counts and glosses over the politics of sexual assault and the concept of consent. It presents workplace sexual exploitation as 'give-and-take', thereby underplaying the huge power inequity of the situation. It also ignores the overwhelming imbalance between the rate of sexual assault and instances of false accusations.
If Section 375 is about a serious topic, this one, according to viewers, is light and frothy and fun – it’s all about entertainment.
Men have played women in stage shows for ages. This is something that our ‘comedy’ shows constantly feature. So not a new concept, but mostly enjoyable, feel people.
It is funny, well-acted, well-directed, says Taran Adarsh.
The lead actor proves himself to be a powerhouse of talent and hugely versatile to boot. Always seen to take up projects that are worthwhile, thought provoking, meaningful or simply different, he rarely disappoints. People have loved him in this film as well.
The movie does use some trite humour based solely on stereotypes and some of the jokes are sexist, misogynistic and homophobic as well, thought some of the reviewers and viewers.
If you're still not sure whether to watch Section 375 or Dream Girl this weekend, here is the trailer to help you decide.
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