Tribhanga

Tribhanga, a Netflix original film released in 2021 directed by renowned actress Renuka Shahane, is a stirring family drama offering deep insights into the complexities of human behavior and personal relationships. Set in the bustling cityscape of Mumbai, the heart-rending story unravels delicate family dynamics through a narrative of three generations of women from the same lineage. The powerhouse casting trio - Kajol, Tanvi Azmi, and Mithila Palkar illuminate this artful tale of bitterness, insecurities, and long-awaited catharsis.

Translating to 'an odd angle’ in Sanskrit, 'Tribhanga' centers around the lives of three feminine characters - Nayantara Apte (Tanvi Azmi), a celebrated writer and her daughter Anuradha Apte (Kajol), an enigmatic film actress, and the granddaughter Masha (Mithila Palkar). The title subtly alludes to the intricate, diverse personalities and life choices of these three characters who, like the dance pose named Tribhanga, are independent, unique, yet connected to their family roots.

The story begins with the matriarch, Nayantara, slipping into a coma, forcing her estranged daughter Anu (Kajol) and granddaughter Masha, to return to her side. The narrative alternates seamlessly between the past and the present, detailing the distinct and divergent lives of these strong, independent women. The film explores the theme of failed or struggling mother-daughter relationships in all their uncomfortable reality.

While Nayanthara is depicted as an intellectual woman with a dominant personality and staunch feminist ideology, her daughter Anu is portrayed as a chaotic, impulsive, successful actress/dancer who struggles to escape her mother’s towering shadow. Masha, on the other hand, as the third generation, embodies a more submissive girl-next-door persona, aiming for a traditional life that starkly contradicts the lives of her mother and grandmother. With a nuanced representation of womanhood, the movie delves deep into the heartache, rebellion, forgiveness, and reconciliation of these three tormented souls.

Kajol, as the fiery, flawed and unapologetic Anuradha, gives a memorable performance, while Tanvi Azmi features strongly as a literary giant and a not-so-perfect mother and grandmother. Mithila Palkar, though presented with a less meaty role, holds her own with a quiet serenity that starkly contrasts the stormy emotions of the other women in her family. The visceral and strong-willed performances of these women form the nucleus of this multi-layered narrative.

Tribhanga is more than just a women-centric film. It is an emotional exploration of the intricate relationships that exist between mothers and their daughters against the backdrop of societal ideals and expectations. It resonates deeply with the viewers as it brings to light the idea that life is not black or white, but filled with grey areas, and it is within this grey spectrum that our protagonists seek their individual identities.

The director, Renuka Shahane, skillfully weaves a feminist narrative, reminding viewers that women can be strong, vibrant, and unshackled, while also subtly highlighting the pressures, inner turmoil, and dilemmas faced by women who want to break the mold. The humane depiction of these 'imperfect' characters, each battling their own demons, epitomizes the film's overriding theme - acceptance, of oneself and of others.

Shahane sets a new precedent in realistic storytelling, delicately balancing the narratives of each character, not allowing any one character to overshadow the others. The underlying commentary on the unrealistic expectations society place on women, the struggle for identity outside these norms, and the ache for acceptance, makes Tribhanga a powerful and impactful watch.

This is a film that steers clear of melodrama and instead relies on its authentic dialogues, a gripping narrative, and heartfelt performances. While it may be criticized for its unprecedented character arcs and stark portrayal of the known mother-daughter dynamic, it serves to remind the audience about the flaws and acts of redemption that make us quintessentially human. Unabashed and engaging, Tribhanga strikes cords that are real, raw, and agonizing, presenting a tapestry of emotions weaved with threads of life.

In conclusion, Tribhanga is a deep and riveting portrayal of familial bonds and personal journeys—capturing the essence that every individual's story is unique in its way, just like the piquant twist in the dance pose 'Tribhanga'. It is an unconventional family drama that is not just thought-provoking but also entertaining and relatable, striking a delicate balance between sentimentality and reality – a must-watch for those seeking meaningful cinema.