Margarita with a Straw

Margarita with a Straw, released by Viacom18 Motion Pictures in 2014, is an absorbing and heartwarming drama film directed by Shonali Bose. The movie breaks boundaries by putting the lifetime journey of self-discovery and sexual liberty of a differently-abled young woman at its heart. This Indian film has already stirred the audience at international film festivals and won numerous awards before its mainstream cinema release.

The film stars Kalki Koechlin, a French actress known for her work in Bollywood, in the lead role of Laila Kapoor. Koechlin's performance is fantastic and raw, and she completely immerses herself in this nuanced role, capturing the joy, pain, love, and sexual discovery of her character. The film also features two talented actresses, Revathi and Sayani Gupta, who give highly nuanced performances. Revathi and Gupta provide excellent support and create a bond that brings Bose's vision of a free-spirited story to life.

Margarita with a Straw utterly revolves around the life of Laila, a brilliant and creative young woman studying at Delhi’s University. Laila, as diagnosed with cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and has limited motor functions. Yet, she’s neither confined nor identified by her disability; she embraces her identity as she navigates her journey. It is an intriguing coming-of-age film that narrates the story of how Laila grapples with usual youthful issues regarding identity, love, sexuality, and the added complexity brought about by her being differently-abled.

The film eventually transitions when Laila gets offered a scholarship at New York University, where she moves with her loving and supportive mother (played by Revathi). This transition from India to the US opens up a new chapter in Laila's life and builds the core of the narrative. It melodramatically showcases Laila's discovery of her own sexuality, her first heartbreak, and her incredible journey of self-discovery and acceptance. As Laila finds herself in a considerable cultural difference and meets a young activist Khanum (played by Sayani Gupta), a visually impaired woman from Pakistan, her life takes a dramatic turn. The complex dynamics of this new relationship add to the depth of the narrative.

Margarita with a Straw explores significant aspects of disability, bisexuality, and also addresses issues we often tend to ignore, especially in the Indian subcontinent. It doesn’t shy away from sexuality and presents it in a raw, honest manner. The film addresses these issues with sensitivity and empathy, without making them feel forced or done for shock value. Rather than focusing on the disability aspect, the film also reveals the human traits of dreaming, desiring, and exploring the different shades of life and love.

The visual element of the film is beautifully crafted by Dutch cinematographer Anne Misawa. The film intelligently employs both the landscape of Delhi and New York to poetic effects, depicting the noticeable contrast. The music, composed by Mikey McCleary, enhances the storyline, providing the insights of Laila's emotional state and helps the viewers to connect with her journey on a deeper level.

Margarita with a Straw not only breaks stereotypes but also enlightens discourse about perception towards sexuality and disability. Significantly, it received several accolades for its unconventional theme, outstanding performances, and a well-sketched plot. Koechlin's unforgettable performance garnered international acclaim and fetched her the National Film Award - Special Jury Award -- a prestigious cinema award in India.

Drawing from a personal experience, director Shonali Bose painstakingly structures the narrative and gives life to a wide range of emotions - frustration, heartbreak, ecstasy - and most importantly, hope. Despite dealing with complex themes and difficult realities, the film never falls into the pit of despair, keeping an undercurrent of positivity and warmth throughout.

In conclusion, Margarita with a Straw is far from a regular run-of-the-mill film. This remarkable and thought-provoking drama film passionately explores the nuances of identity, sexuality, and love from a completely fresh perspective, making it a unique cinematic experience. This film entertains, educates, and encourages discussions, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking meaningful cinema. It is a film that dares to venture into uncharted territories and does so with grace, sensitivity, and charm. The movie's charm lies in its honest portrayal of its lead character who, despite her physical condition, lives her life with an indomitable spirit and continues to discover the joy of being alive. Margarita with a Straw sets a new paradigm in Indian cinema with its creativity, compassion, and courage.