Pagglait

Pagglait is an endearing 2021 Netflix comedy-drama film, helmed by debutant director, Umesh Bist. Starring Sanya Malhotra in the lead, it is teeming with an impressive ensemble cast that includes actors like Sayani Gupta, Sheeba Chaddha, Ashutosh Rana and Raghubir Yadav, who all contribute to the deceptively sunny charm of the film.

Sanya Malhotra plays the role of Sandhya, a recently married young woman who suddenly becomes a widow. As she grapples with her new-found widow status, Sandhya is confronted with an array of conflicting emotions. The term 'Pagglait' is a North Indian slang which means mad or crazy, hinting at Sandhya’s unconventional reactions and behavior to the death of her husband.

The film thrives on a varied palette of sentiments and relations, exemplified through distinct characters that are beautifully interwoven into the narrative. Sandhya’s grieving in-laws' house in Lucknow overflows with the family's relatives who have come together due to the unfortunate event of her husband's unexpected demise. These extended family members provide a fascinating view of the typical middle-class Indian society, with its entrenched patriarchy, its slavish adherence to tradition, and its inherent hypocrisies.

Pagglait is not simply about a woman's emancipation post her husband's death, but also a fierce relook at societal norms and expectations, and track how families cope with death and the silence after. The film unravels over a 13-day mourning period, where secrets surface, familial bonds are tested, and love begins blooming in the most unusual situations.

Sanya Malhotra's performance as Sandhya is commendable as she beautifully expresses her vivid emotions with subtlety. Her persona embodies the emotional confusion of a young woman who barely knew her husband and isn't sure how to react to his death. She imbues Sandhya’s character with a sense of authenticity and strength that becomes the pivot around which the various elements of the narrative revolve.

Sayani Gupta, although in a brief role, leaves a mark with her measured performance. In the movie, she plays a pivotal role that gives a surprising twist to the plot. Sheeba Chaddha, Ashutosh Rana and Raghubir Yadav churn out heartfelt performances, adding to the film's overall emotional resonance.

Director Umesh Bist skillfully depicts the complexities of relationships that animate the daily life of an Indian household. The film’s emotional undertones are attractively balanced with comedy and cleverly scripted lines. With an ability to keep audiences engaged, he deftly infuses the narrative with heartbreaking moments interspersed with the right amount of humor.

The vivid cinematography provides an engaging visual treat which successfully captures the variegated moods and emotions of the characters, while painting a true picture of a close-knit yet complicated Indian family. The light-hearted background music and thoughtfully conceptualized songs further add to the beauty and intensity of the film.

A unique element in Pagglait is how it incorporates the theme of self-realization and individuality amid societal chains of patriarchal norms. It touches upon the idea of economic independence for women and subtly unpacks the concept of identity and autonomy. An interesting aspect in the film is how it progresses Sandhya’s character from being 'somebody’s wife' to 'somebody' on her own, all while balancing her grief and discovery of herself.

Pagglait, overall, is not a film that generally fits into the typical Bollywood narrative. Instead, it is a poignant narrative of growth interwoven with heartwarming humor and crisp dialogue. There might not be melodramatic acts or a larger-than-life storyline, but Pagglait succeeds by virtue of its subtlety and simplicity. It's a refreshing take on societal conventions and the courage it takes for an individual, to not just question them, but also break free from them.

With its fresh plot, impressive performances and sensitive portrayal of complex human emotions, Pagglait manages to strike the right chord with the audience, making it a worth watching piece of cinema. There is a quiet strength in its narrative that speaks volumes about the societal constraints that women in India deal with, which leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.