We are in an incredible era of outstanding Indian Indies, and one of the standouts is Shuchi Talati’s brilliant focus in Girls Will Be Girls. The film, produced by Richa Chadha, Claire Chassagne, and Talati, features terrific performances by Preeti Panigrahi, Kani Kusruti, and Kesav Binoy Kiron.
A profoundly resonant narrative featuring a compelling coming-of-age drama, Girls Will Be Girls is set in a strict boarding school in the Himalayas. It is the story of 16-year-old Mira’s journey of self-discovery, romance, and life.
Let’s give you a look into the world
The title of this film could not be more perfect because it is the story of a girl who is coming into her own, and Talati presents this tale in a nuanced and also uninhibited way. It is a drama that is an exploration of the first “love” and Mira’s sexual awakening. It also shines the light on what it is like to be a teenage girl at a strict boarding school or, for that matter, anywhere, where, no matter what, the boys will always be excused and believed. Girls will always be seen in the wrong. It is also a study into a mother-daughter relationship and how, even if there are problems, in the end, you can always rely on your mother.
Talati really took the time to develop this story of Mira’s experiences, so you felt everything Mira did: her doubt, nervousness, frustration, and desire. It was a look into her world and her life, and what made it even better was that it was a look into her emotions and her mind. It was a brilliant way to present this story and it really gets you involved in the tale.
At times, the pacing was a bit slow, but that is the nature of the film. It delved into Mira’s mind, mood, and life, and the way it played out so worked.
This movie is a study of real life, but I really, really wanted a final scene where Mira is seen defeating her bullies and walking out of school with her head held high and proud. I know it would have felt forced in this film, but I imagine that after the movie faded to black, that scene happened the next day, and I cheered! It also shows you how immersed I was in this film!
The cinematography was excellent, and in so many scenes, you felt as if you were a voyeur, which I think was the point. Another great sequence was near the end when Mira and her mom are driving away from the school down the road, and the light, their positions on the bike, and the frame of the shot make you feel the moment – you are not just watching the moment.
Every cast member was terrific, but the three main leads were exceptional.
Preeti Panigrahi as Mira was brilliant. She had to transverse from being a straight-laced perfect student to a girl who is discovering all the different aspects of herself. Preeti played the part perfectly, with a quiet face, subtle looks, sparking eyes, still moments, and exceptional scenes bursting with anger, frustration, desire, confusion, and sadness. Every moment, you felt Mira’s emotions; it is outstanding that she could convey that. It was an astounding performance for someone so young, and it is her first lead role in a feature film!
Kesav Binoy Kiron as Sri is great. You are not sure if he is a good or bad love interest. He plays the character with a spirit in his eye but a calm demeanor. He is subtle in manner, but you feel he is somehow playing a game. In the end, I still am unsure if he was playing Mira or truly wanted to be with her, which is a testament to his performance.
Kani Kusruti, who also was brilliant in Cannes Film Festival winner All We Imagine as Light, once again gives a standing ovation-worthy performance. Kursuti always manages to ground a film in the best ways. Her presence onscreen always manages to steal the focus because she is so real. She speaks so much with her eyes; you see her love for her daughter, her yearning for more from her life and for love. She is absolutely superb.
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At the Sundance Film Festival, Girls Will be Girls won the Audience Award for World Cinema Dramatic and the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting, and that is so, so, so well deserved.
This quiet and bold reflection of a teenager’s life is exceptional in tone, music, story, sound, and especially performances. I applaud Shuchi Talati for this rare film.
