Simran

Simran is a 2017 Indian crime-comedy drama film directed by Hansal Mehta and produced under the banners of Karma Features and T-Series. The film stars Kangana Ranaut as the lead character alongside Sohum Shah and Esha Tewari Pande in supporting roles. The screenplay of the film is written by Apurva Asrani—with additional scripting contributions made by Kangana Ranaut.

Simran is the electrifying and engaging story of Praful Patel (portrayed by Kangana Ranaut), a divorcee who lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Praful leads an independent life with a refreshingly fearless and unapologetic demeanor that is rare to find in female protagonists in traditional Bollywood narratives. The title of the movie, 'Simran', is drawn from the name of the character that Praful admires in a Bollywood film and aspires to live a similar carefree life.

Kangana Ranaut’s character is charmingly quirky. Praful is a housekeeper in a hotel, but she nurses bigger ambitions. She is determined to break free from her humdrum life and own a house, a symbol of the aspirational middle-class dream her character embodies. Praful's desires and ambitions become illusions that envelop her life, steering the narrative of the film to unexpected lanes.

The film also features Sohum Shah, who portrays the role of Sameer, Praful's admirer and love interest. Their chemistry on screen adds a touch of romance and love that enriches the film’s narrative arc. Esha Tewari Pande, who plays Praful's mother, adds another layer of complexity and depth to Praful's character portrayal.

'Simran' explores the theme of flawed yet strong, independent women; women who may falter and fall, but never shy away from living life on their terms. The film delicately balances dark undertones of crime and comedy, creating an engaging cinematic concoction that portrays the imperfections and small joys of life.

Mehta’s direction and cinematography have painted a careful and captivating picture of an immigrant’s life, highlighted by the sharp contrast between the glamorous facade of the American dream and its sobering reality. Through his direction, Mehta has masterfully highlighted the nuances of life, analyzing the human weaknesses and strengths with a compassionate lens.

Kangana Ranaut’s acting in the film is indeed the tour-de-force. Playing the role of a young woman grappling with emotions, dreams, and reality, she has executed her role with an enigmatic charm that captivates the audience throughout the movie. Her ability to bring out the subtleties of her character is truly commendable, making 'Simran' another feather in her acting cap.

Contrarily, characters like Sameer (Sohum Shah) and Praful's mother (Esha Tewari Pande) have not just complemented Praful’s character, but have added different perspectives to the narrative, making the characters relatable and real.

Simran’s music and soundtrack blend beautifully with the narrative, offering melodious tracks that range from peppy dance numbers to soulful melodies. These songs do more than just entertain; they play a significant role in moving the story forward and often act as compelling story-tellers.

'Simran' is not just a story of Praful Patel, it's a reflection of every woman who dares to dream and aspires to traverse her path. It's a film about dreams, about flawed yet real characters, about the small joys of life, and the complicated, beautiful mess that life often is. It's a movie that leaves its viewers with a lot to think about, making 'Simran' a delightful cinematic experience that’s well worth a watch.