Plot: Chhatriwali is around Sanya Dhingra, a female chemist without a job who uses her talents to combat a significant social taboo by teaching young people about sex education. The film is set in Karnal.
Cast: Rakul Preet Singh, Sumeet Vyas, Satish Kaushik, Rajesh Tailang, Dolly Ahluwalia
Director: Tejas Deoskar
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Although the Rakul Preet Singh-starring film on sex education is similar to several that came before it, it nevertheless manages to stand out on the list of works that avoid watering down the message by trying to be humorous at the expense of a serious issue. Chhatriwali has a shaky beginning, but the second half more than makes up for it. The ensemble steps in to break up the monotony with a dash of realistic humour and strong drama as the plot follows a predictable course. The message of this one-time watch has to be spread more widely.
The narrative of Sanchit Gupta and Priyadarshee Srivastava is somewhat reminiscent to Nusrat Bharucha starring Janhit mein Jaari. But in the second half, it diverges significantly from the Janhit mein Jaari and organically combines amusement and a social message.
Rakul Preet Singh portrays Sanya, her girl next door in Chhatriwali, who finds work as the quality control manager at a nearby condom factory due to the dearth of employment options in her tiny village. However, she keeps her job a secret from her family and her husband Rishi out of fear of society and how it views sex as a taboo matter (Sumeet Vyas). From here, it would not be difficult to predict how the movie will turn out. The performances, not the script, are what make this relatively formulaic drama resonate with the audience.
The screenplay by Sanchit Gupta and Priyadarshee Srivastava is easy-going. The amusing and moving moments in the movie keep the audience interested. The interaction between Sanchit Gupta and Priyadarshee Srivastava is clever and cutting.
The small-town setting and its conservative citizens are expertly portrayed in the movie. You have likely experienced characters like a mother who gambles on the side in the hopes of turning her luck, a condom factory owner who is struggling to make a living, a biology teacher who refuses to teach students about sex because he is too “religious,” and a wife who is suffering because of her husband’s ignorance. However, because of the excellent casting, each performer can add a unique flavour to the potpourri of emotions that is Chhatriwali.
When the story realises this, the viewers get more intrigued. The second half of the movie is anchored by Rajesh Tailang’s portrayal of the bitter patriarch Rajan, giving it substance. Another memorable figure is Rakesh Bedi, a store owner on a personal mission to encourage men not to use condoms. The best parts in the film feature Bedi and Tailang, both who excel in every way.
The connection between Rakul Preet and Sumeet is strong, and their banter as a newly wedded pair makes people giggle. The primary theme of the film is their relationship, and both performers effectively carry out their roles both alone and as a screen couple. Chhatriwali maintains its simplicity and conveys its message without being preachy or taking itself too seriously, even when storytelling sensibilities are compromised by over-the-top characters and comparable issues.
It struggles at first to establish a solid foundation. A number of attempts at innuendo-laced humour are attempted in order to introduce the audience to the subject. The jokes, nevertheless, don’t appear to connect. In actuality, the movie’s drama, not its humour, is its strongest point.
Music is easily forgotten. Due to the picturization and upbeat attitude, “Special Edition Kudi” succeeds to some extent. The songs “Chhatriwali,” “Main Teri Hi Rahoon,” and other songs don’t stick in the mind. The background music was okaish.
Chhatriwali is suitable for family viewing even though the majority of sex education movies might not be. Even in its humour, it manages to maintain discipline and avoid going overboard. You should see it this weekend, and it will undoubtedly leave you thinking about how important sex education for kids is. Tejas Prabhaa Vijay Deoskar’s direction is wise enough to handle the matter. The music blends in with the story’s flow and emotions rather than standing out.