#TumhariSulu: The film opens with
a scene where our main protagonist Sulu, who loves to participate in contests
of all kind, is taking part in a lemon and spoon race, a game where speed and
balance play an equally important role. And that’s a powerful allegory to the
things to follow. Life, so often is about that equilibrium. And it is an
individual choice. But then we live in a society where most people have an
expert opinion on everything and everyone, where your school marks determine
how you are treated for the rest of your life as an individual and where we are
judged by the minute by all and sundry. And hence Sulu, an effervescent middle
class housewife with an adolescent kid, is subjected to constant nagging by her
settled and relatively well to do sisters and father because years back she had
flunked her 12th exam. But then it doesn’t bother her indomitable spirit,
she insists “main winner hoon” and continues with her relentless pursuit to
find an identity.
Sulu’s character is fascinating. A
happy go lucky housewife who exudes a sense of self-assurance without being arrogant.
Even when complications arise in her marital life, Sulu remains pragmatic and decisive.
It is only when her ever supporting husband doesn’t answer to her question
about “whose team he is in” her vulnerability comes to the fore. Vidya Balan
breathes life into the character and makes it her own. Her eyes convey every emotion,
every feeling. One can give such a performance only when one is having a ball
and the Balan after some forgetful outing is well and truly back. You can
neither take your eyes nor your ears off Sulu . She effortlessly vacillates
between being an optimist to a realist, who is full of ideas and has a zest for
life.
The beauty of Tumhari Sulu lies
in its detailing, in the way every character has been etched out. Manav Kaul,
who plays Sulu’s husband also does a terrific job. The scenes where they are
together is enthralling. Their chemistry is infectious. The first half is
breezy and uses lots of tongue in cheek humor to introduce us to the middle
class Mumbai family and their life. It is the second half that becomes bit contrived
when with Sulu’s success and his own dead end job Ashok starts feeling bit insecure.
There are some unnecessary sub plots that drags the pace. But director Suresh Triveni interjects just in
time to pull the film back on track. The film uses lots of imagery to drive
home its point. Watch out for the scenes where the pigeon sitting on the window
pane acts as symbol of liberation.
Tumhari Sulu is an endearing slice
of life film that also touches upon many important areas while giving a strong message.
It mercilessly depicts the impact on the psyche of an employee who is dealing
with a bad boss at work place. It exposes the woes of working women who constantly
have to go through a guilt feeling. It somewhere deep within speaks about the
importance of balance in life but then it leaves that decision to the individual.
It celebrates the indomitable spirit of Can Do. So next time someone messes up
with your confidence, look straight into those eyes and say “main kar sakta hai”.
Remember life is only yours and decision must be yours and only yours. Never
let anyone else decide for you.
Hellow , hope you are listening !
I will go out with 3 for the film and an
additional 0.5 for that incredible Vidya Balan and the ensemble cast.
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