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Sisters-in-law Chandro (Bhumi Pednekar) and Prakashi (Taapsee Pannu) have always lived their lives the patriarchal way. They don’t agree with it but have accepted it regardless of what it brings. Although with the will to live on their own has always given them mini escapes with a chance at some freedom!
At 60 years old, the two senior residents, who live in Johri town (Uttar Pradesh), with their huge family, coincidentally find that they have a flair for shooting. With some help from doctor-turned-shooting instructor Dr Yashpal (Viineet Singh), who sets up a shooting range in the town, they take part in different competitions and win awards. While they are occupied with honing their skills, the men in their home are neglectful of whatever is happening in the lives of these women. They likewise motivate their granddaughters to stick to this same pattern. However, a twist in the tale leads them to bring a stop to the hide-and-seek, and face the men in the clan head-on.
At the very beginning of the movie, director Tushar Hiranandani sets up the stage, giving the viewers a look at a household, where a lady’s identity relies upon the shade of the dupatta that she wraps. In a scene, Bhumi explains to a recently married Taapsee that the ladies of the house stick to wearing a ‘ghunghat’ of a particular color as it keeps away from perplexity among the men in the house.
Bhumi and Taapsee have played the roles really well as grandmas, who are happy to successfully motivate and support their granddaughters. The two driving women carry the whole film on their shoulders easily. On a few moments, Taapsee takes an edge over Bhumi, yet the latter rapidly compensates for it. But the audience might get distracted by the poorly done makeover of Taapsee and Bhumi. The silver streaks in driving women’s hair and sketchy make-up is a blemish. It’s to Bhumi and Taapsee’s credit that they beat this problem and get you to look past it.
As for the songs, ‘Womaniya’ and ‘Udta Teetar’ add to the entertainment quotient and remain with you even after you leave the theater.
The narrative also stumbles a bit when the game of hide-and-seek between the two daadis and their family starts getting a tad repetitive. Luckily, the director escapes that trap soon and sets things in motion when the two major face-offs in the film unfold. The movie aims to celebrate women empowerment with such a relatable story; It’s entertaining and empowering both!
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