Ribbon

Ribbon, a 2017 Hindi-language film directed by Rakhee Sandilya, is a societal commentary packed with poignant moments, navigating the complex dynamics of urban life. With standout performances from its acclaimed cast, especially Kalki Koechlin and Sumeet Vyas, the movie explores themes of love, ambition, equality, and parenting against the backdrop of a bustling Mumbai cityscape.

Kalki Koechlin, an eminent personality in Indian parallel cinema who has captured viewers' attention with her previous works, plays the role of Sahana, a passionate corporate professional who finds fulfilment in juggling her personal and professional commitments. Sahana thrives amidst the successful completion of corporate deals – the fast-paced life, while challenging, forms an essential part of her identity.

On the other hand, we have Sumeet Vyas, known for his versatility, portraying the character of Karan, Sahana's supportive husband. Karan works as a construction site supervisor. His earthy charm and refreshing on-screen presence complement Sahana's ambitious nature in a beautifully nuanced manner.

Life for the couple takes an unexpected turn when Sahana discovers she's pregnant. Now, they must adjust their lives to welcome a new member into their family, leading to a whirlwind of unplanned experiences, jolting the duo’s rhythmic urban life. The movie tactfully handles the paradigm shift from Sahana and Karan's carefree existence into the demanding world of parenthood.

Ribbon critically highlights the challenges faced by working mothers in India. Kalki's portrayal of Sahana offers an insightful view into the life of a woman trying to maintain a delicate balance between motherhood and her corporate career. All this unfolds against the unspoken, entrenched prejudices and biases prevalent in India's workplaces concerning maternity and childcare.

As new parents in an ever-demanding city like Mumbai, Sahana and Karan’s relationship starts to strain under the mounting responsibilities, unrealistic expectations, and tough decisions, foregrounding the struggles modern couples face. Director Rakhee Sandilya uses her cinematic lens to plunge deep into the nuances of their marred relationship, unabashedly exposing the cracks in their marriage, and the societal pressures that never seem to let up. The film tactfully uses its characters to highlight how mounting pressures can often push resilient relationships to their breaking point.

Sequentially, Ribbon explores the couple’s journey through this strenuous phase remarkably, initiating a dialogue about shared parenting, equal responsibilities, compromise, adjustment, and the significance of a solid support system. The characters are real, relatable, and their struggles genuine, reflecting an accurate and heartbreaking portrayal of life.

The film is laced with the inherent charm of the city of Mumbai. The subtle narrative skillfully weaves together the story with bustling Mumbai's fast-paced life. The film’s sonic canvas contributes greatly to its narratives, capturing the city’s constant hum. From the jarring noises of the packed local trains to the silence of the late-night city life, Ribbon uses sound to create an atmospheric, immersive viewing.

With an engaging script and fantastic performances from the lead actors, Ribbon serves as an intimate exploration of the personal and professional challenges in an urban Indian couple's life. It gives an inside peek into the everyday struggles of working parents and the adjustments that parenthood often requires.

The movie also features actors like Hitesh Malhan and Pathy Aiyar in vital roles, each adding to the narrative's intensity with their credible performances. Ribbon, while touching upon various socio-economic issues, stays true to its central plot, maintaining a gripping storytelling approach and never losing relevance or connection with the audience.

The film comes together through a realistic lens, strong performances, a gripping script, and an honest depiction of urban realities. The director uniquely captures urban life's hustle, the non-stop race against time, and the struggles of achieving work-life balance. Ribbon is a film that resonates with a significant portion of India’s demographic, hinging on the lifestyle of a modern, working-class couple trying to find their feet amidst the fast-paced Mumbai city life.