Calendar Girls

Calendar Girls is an intriguing Indian drama film with a strong realistic appeal, exploring the glamorous but fickle world of fashion. Released in 2015, this film is directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, renowned for his cinematic takes on various industries such as fashion, journalism, and corporates. The film features Akanksha Puri, Avani Modi, Kyra Dutt, Ruhi Singh, and Satarupa Pyne in leading roles.

In this film, the story focuses on the attention-grabbing, glimmering, but sometimes murky world of high-fashion modeling. The plot revolves around five young girls hailing from diverse regions and backgrounds, who deal with their respective cultures, traditions, and societies. These girls — Nandita Menon (Akanksha Puri), Nazneen Malik (Avani Modi), Sharon Pinto (Kyra Dutt), Mayuri Chauhan (Ruhi Singh), and Paroma Ghosh (Satarupa Pyne) — have a common aspiration: to become successful models and shine in the cut-throat world of fashion modeling.

Calendar Girls is not merely a narrative about girls trying to find fame in the world of modelling; it delves deep into the personal lives of these young women, their hopes, their dreams – and the obstacles they face in their roads to success. The film provides a bird's eye view of their struggles, establishing authentic characters that the audience can relate to.

In the movie, the eponymous ‘Calendar Girls’ are chosen to feature in a highly anticipated calendar shoot, which is highly coveted in the fashion industry. From here begins a journey that is not as glossy and facile as it appears on the cover. It’s more than just exotic locations, glamorous outfits, and flashing lights. The film throws light on the unexplored aspects of the fashion industry, highlighting an often overlooked side of glamour, leading to stark revelations, interesting dynamics, and a myriad of emotions.

The movie is set in a vibrant and fast-paced backdrop, reflecting the realities and hardships of the modeling industry. Every character in the film has a unique narrative, showcasing the diversity and expanse of stories within the industry itself. Each character leaves a memorable impact on the audience, provoking thoughts about passion, ambition, and individualism amidst societal pressures and personal insecurities.

Akanksha Puri as Nandita, a free-spirited and ambitious girl from Hyderabad, charms viewers with her naive yet persistent character. Avani Modi, portraying the deep layers behind the inherent strength of Nazneen from Lahore, Pakistan, provides an insightful glimpse into the cultural clashes and personal battles. Kyra Dutt as Mumbai-based Sharon illustrates the hardships and pressures faced by models in the city that never sleeps. Ruhi Singh as Mayuri, a girl from Rohtak in Haryana, stunningly depicts the aspirations and struggles of a small-town girl in the big city. Satarupa Pyne, hailing from a conservative family in Kolkata as Paroma, beautifully portrays the societal and familial pressures faced by aspiring models.

Under the proficient direction of Madhur Bhandarkar, Calendar Girls effectively combines the glitz and glamour of the fashion world with the hard-hitting realities, providing an unabashed depiction of the industry. Bhandarkar doesn't use glamour as a prop; instead, he uses it to give his characters depth and dimension, unraveling their layers gradually as the narrative progresses.

The screenplay of the movie is crafted meticulously to balance the blend of glamour and grim realities of life in the modeling world. This ebb and flow between two starkly contrasted facets of the industry adds to the enigma of the film.

In conclusion, Calendar Girls is a strong commentary on the world of fashion and modeling, offering viewers a realistic portrayal of the dreams, struggles, and aspirations of young girls in the industry. With a powerful star cast, a gripping narrative, and an exquisite visual appeal, Calendar Girls is an enthralling watch for those who enjoy fashion-oriented films sprinkled with a touch of harsh reality. Despite being a film set in the world of glamour and glitz, it does not shy away from the inspiring ordeal faced by these ambitious, hopeful girls learning to navigate their way through the tough terrains of the merciless glamour world.