Girlz

Girlz (2019) is a delightfully passionate and vibrant coming-of-age movie that masterfully blends humor, emotion, and social commentary. Set against a beautiful backdrop of glistening sand and azure waters, the story progresses organically, skilfully communicating its message without ever appearing forced or artificial. Directed by Vishal Sakharam Devrukhkar, the movie stars Ankita Lande, Ketaki Narayan, and Anvita Phaltankar in the lead roles, showcasing their evolving friendship and the ups and downs of their young lives.

The movie introspectively focuses on the typical teenage life and ventures into the complex jungles of relationships and self-discovery. Its narrative thrives on its main leads, Mati (Ankita Lande), Maggi (Ketaki Narayan), and Rumi (Anvita Phaltankar), three young, vivacious girls who are just commencing to navigate their way through the challenging journey of adolescence.

Ankita Lande plays Mati, a young girl with a zest for life and an insatiable fascination about the world. Mati is inherently curious and cares deeply for her friends, simultaneously showcasing her innocent charm and vulnerability throughout the movie. Ketaki Narayan enacts the role of Maggi, a character seemingly indifferent yet internally battling her insecurities and fears. Her acting showcases a remarkable depth, doing justice to the inner turmoil experienced by the character. Anvita Phaltankar as Rumi brings a unique energy, enthusiasm, and innocence to the narrative that instantly captivates the audience.

One of the brilliant aspects of Girlz is its emphasis on the unabridged exploration of self and life by the three protagonists. They bask in their youthfulness, subjecting to their impulses deemed 'girlish' yet eventually turning to maturity by dealing with societal expectations, challenges and schisms. The synergy between the three leading ladies is truly delightful, showcasing a deep bond of friendship that stands against all odds. Their friendships serve as the main anchor of the movie, steering the narrative through its ups and downs.

Away from their usual surroundings, these girls find a sense of liberation that gradually evolves into self-realization. It is through their journey, their mistakes, and their growth that they come to terms with their individuality and learn the importance of independence. The movie soft questions societal standards and expectations, highlighting the significance of personal choices and individuality. The narrative beautifully balances fun, frolic, naïveté and reality, engaging the audience from start to finish.

Girlz is a colourful movie filled with high-energy, laughter, introspection, drama, and heartfelt emotions. Each scene is a careful piece of the story, contributing to the emotional depth of the narrative. With stunning visuals, the sound design and background score further enhance the immersive cinematic experience of the movie. The soundtracks are frothy and catchy, imprinting melodies that strongly resonate with the underlying theme of youthful ventures.

In between the laughter and the tears, the movie sows the seeds of profound themes and the challenges of growing up. It's a perfect mix of light-hearted fun and weighty conversations, underscoring the importance of self-discovery and achieving a balance between freedom and responsibility.

The movie does an outstanding job conveying the confusing world of teenage years and the precarious walk on the tightrope between childlike innocence and adult wisdom. It remarkably explores the transition from girlhood to womanhood with a lot of heart, empathy and understanding.

All in all, Girlz succeeds in representing the voice of the modern-day woman with a cheerful, fresh, and lively representation of young girls enjoying their life under the sun, while slowly getting familiar with women's societal norms.

Girlz, is therefore, not just a film — it’s a celebration of girlhood and womanhood, a testament to the resilience of female friendship, and an exploration of the pains and joys of growing up in an ever-changing world. It is surely going to leave audiences with a broad smile and full heart.