BOTTOM LINE: A few feel-good moments in oversimplified shorts
Rating: 5/10
| Platform: Girliyapa / Youtube | Genre: Drama |
What Is the Story About?
Dil Ki Suno is a series of five shorts helmed by the subsidiary channel of TVF, Girliyapa with an underlying focus on the many conflicts that women face while making their choices. A girl just past her graduation is stuck between her staying in her hometown and making a career as a fashion writer in Mumbai. A successful banker has to choose between her job promotion in a new city and her love for coaching budding badminton players. Another woman isn’t exactly certain if she has to take a trip to Japan to be a part of the Cherry Blossom festival without her husband. Meanwhile, an ex-marketer, who’s currently a homemaker is in two minds about returning to the profession she is extremely passionate about. A working woman is yet to call about adopting and taking responsibility of a dog in her compound.
Performances?
Ankita Goraya and Ruchika Verma make for an impressive daughter-mother duo with a charming on-screen camaraderie. Barkha Bisht is a picture of confidence as a successful banker who has a passion for badminton. Neha Panda tries to be excessively sweet and vivacious in her role (as an animal-enthusiast who isn’t ready to have a pet yet) that doesn’t help the short. Esha Kansara may have wanted a better role as a travel enthusiast who’s nervous about her first solo trip. Sunayana Bhambwani is effective in reflecting the void that many women have in their hearts about giving a second chance to their careers. The men in her life – actors Varun Tiwari and Harsh Sharma make their presence felt too.
Analysis
The shorter form of storytelling – incidentally a tool that many aspirant filmmakers use as a stepping stone for their directorial dreams – can be a daunting prospect for the precision a creator has to maintain. It’s a brief window to tell a story and almost nudge a thought, possibly leave something for the audiences to interpret. Minimalism plays a key role and yet you can’t be overtly spoon-feeding the idea either. A concept-specific series on the many conflicts that women face in various phases of their lives is a welcome addition to the digital space at a time when women-centric storytelling is gaining precedence in many forms.
Expectedly, the series too subtly promotes a popular tea brand – but it no way hinders the narrative at least. The most important conversation in every short happens over a cup of chai. Somehow, it doesn’t feel indulgent and the frames too are filled with reasonable warmth. With respect to the stories though, not all shorts create a similar impact.
Episode 1: It’s a simple idea of a girl having to choose between her comfort zone and larger good – a conflict that many face with regard to a career decision regardless of age and gender. A daughter thinks twice about the single parent she has to leave alone and make her career in Mumbai. The short charmingly captures a phase where a youngster feels selfish about making a career choice with a guilt of not being able to stay with a parent – it is well-made, relatable and entertaining at the same time.
Episode 2: This is a slightly better short where a woman thinks a lot about her career, heartfelt passion and professional ambition. It’s clear that the lead character gave up a flourishing career in badminton to take up a fetching career in banking and is trying to find a meeting ground between her interests. The supportive, secure husband is refreshing to see and all the woman has to do is to tap into the deepest corners of her heart, which she eventually does.
Episode 3: This is perhaps the least impressive of all shorts where the pivotal character is confused about taking responsibility for an injured road-side dog and goes on to adopt it later. Though it tackles an important issue with a generation that’s not willing to take charge of their decisions, the transformation of the protagonist doesn’t feel sincere or heartfelt. It feels like the filmmaker was in a hurry to get to the ending and didn’t focus on the little moments in the journey enough. An improvised draft was the need of the hour here.
Episode 4: This strictly okayish episode is one where a married woman discovers the joy of travelling alone and not needing someone else to validate her dreams. The protagonist here is extremely curious to attend the annual Cherry blossom festival in Japan with her husband, who has repeatedly cancelled the plan year after year. So, she decides to go solo on her international trip. The scope for conflict here is extremely contrived. Though visually executed well, there’s no emotional connect.
Episode 5: It’s a simple tale about a mother getting rid of her inhibitions and giving a second shot at her passion after spending a decade-and-a-half as a homemaker. The episode shows how men can calmly be the pillar of support for the women as well and understand their innermost concerns. Though the short resembles the story of Kangana Ranaut’s Panga, there’s certainly some honesty in the filmmaking.
Music and Other Departments?
One of the best aspects among all the five shorts is the subtlety with which it is shot (though all the stories may not have been as impressive) – the music, the visuals, the composed performances go a long way in contributing to the feel-good vibe of the series. However, the writing and the characterisations may have needed more meat.
Highlights?
Very well-visualised
Crisply shot
Composed performances
Drawbacks?
Not all shorts have depth
Simplistic conflict resolution
Did I Enjoy It?
In parts
Will You Recommend It?
If you want those warm fuzzy feels
Review by Srivathsan Nadadhur
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