Soni

Soni is an exceptional piece of Indian cinema hailing from the year 2018. Recognized for its audacious and fiercely feminist content, Soni is an unconventional take on the prevailing socio-cultural norms and practices in the sub-continent. Involving commendable performances by the cast that includes Geetika Vidya Ohlyan, Saloni Batra, and Vikas Shukla, the film paints a vivid picture of the challenging lives of women police officers in Delhi, the capital of India.

Directed by Ivan Ayr, Soni subtly explores the struggles, resistance, and relentless determination of two female police officers: Soni, played by the talented Geetika Vidya Ohlyan, and her superior Kalpana, portrayed by Saloni Batra. The pair are assigned to patrol and restrict the growing menace of violence against women in the city, especially bothersome during the night hours. Their own experiences and encounters with this particular form of crime make the plot even more engaging.

One of the notable aspects of the movie Soni is how it weaves two contrasting lives together. Soni, a hot-headed young policewoman, is often seen putting herself at risk during her undercover operations. She is bereft of fear and certainly isn't the one to take a step back when combating crime. Her bravery is commendable, but it often lands her into trouble, primarily due to her lack of restraint despite the nature of her precarious assignments.

On the other hand, her senior, Kalpana, is starkly different. Battle-hardened and more experienced, Kalpana is mature, composed, and diplomatic. However, the distinctive contrast between them isn't a subject of conflict. Instead, it is the foundation of their strong bond, the camaraderie they share, and the mutual respect they uphold for each other.

The movie manages to brilliantly showcase the unique confluence of their diverse personalities, reflecting their personal lives in conjunction with their professional roles. Soni's character is quite complex, dealing with an estranged marriage, whereas Kalpana navigates her upper-middle-class married life that is riddled with expected stereotypes and societal norms.

The cinematic language of Soni is captivating. The narrative adopts a docudrama style, dissecting the very essence of the systemic structure or issues concerning patriarchy. Throughout the film, one can witness distinctive shades of feminism painted across a broader canvas of societal norms. Ayr tactfully presents the women officers' lives outside their jobs, bringing forth the regressive measures they are bound by, despite being the ones tasked to protect and uphold societal securities.

Ayr's lens highlights the systemic barriers, discrimination, and the red tape that mark the police department- a space traditionally perceived as male-dominated. By presenting Soni and Kalpana as the crusaders of their domain, the film breaks several stereotypes and narratives surrounding women in a largely orthodox society.

Ivan Ayr’s direction effectively harnesses the power of understated performances and minimalistic cinematography. Every frame of Soni tells a purposeful story. There is realism embedded deeply into the film's narrative, primarily seen in the sequences where the two women brave the chaotic streets of Delhi. Moments of vulnerability are captured with subtle grace, reinforcing the core themes of resilience and determination of these two principal characters.

Supporting actors including Vikas Shukla, Mohit Chauhan, and many others provide strong performances that heighten the overall impact of the narrative. Special mention needs to be given to the dialogue that is sharp, at times biting, and contributes significantly to the progression of the plot.

Soni is a compelling commentary on the grim realities of violence against women and patriarchy firming its roots in the very institution that aims to challenge it. It is a striking representation of women standing tall against societal norms and expectations, proving their mettle on their terms.

In conclusion, Soni is an impactful, thought-provoking movie, offering a realistic tale of two valiant female police officers. It successfully showcases the challenging intricacies of a system stacked against women, making their fight for justice even more commendable. Presented with raw authenticity and swept with robust performances, it serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of women who brave the odds in confined spaces, in both their personal and professional lives. Audiencing this film may be a deeply resonating experience of the progressive and provocative art of storytelling.