Vidya Balan’s Sherni has become a benchmark proof that female-led films are re-writing the general idea of Bollywood films. Not very long ago, an actress solely shouldering big budget films would’ve sounded ridiculous. And today, Sherni has become a testament to a change for the better.
It was only last year that Vidya gave an impeccable act in Shakuntala Devi last year. The Actress, known for choosing distinctive scripts, returned to the small screen with Sherni and proved that entertainment is a guarantee with the right team and story.
The unexpected dive into the human-animal conflict that has plagued us for decades, is not a quintessential, spicy Bollywood flick but will surely engulf you entirely as if you’re living the story.
In the skin of ‘Vidya Vincent’, the actress portrays the character’s idealism into a corrupt system. Set in the jungles of Madhya Pradesh, Sherni is a story of Vidya’s resilience about changing the system.
Amit V Masurka’s directorial emits the reality of a male-dominated space and the life of a powerful woman in the middle of it and how she holds her own in an all male-club. In the corrupt bureaucracy and trophy hunters in a dark, grim and challenging setting of a jungle, it is Vidya who stands out as the real Sherni in the film.
Headstrong get emotional, simple yet gutsy. The versatile avatar of Sherni highlights the struggles of a woman in charge of a pack full of men. Women know that their journey has never been easy and ‘Sherni’ does justice to the dive of women in deep waters of the world. In a starkly contrasting scene, we get to see Vidya Vincent eating dinner all by herself with a cat as her company, while her male counterparts sing Bollywood item songs and make merry around a bonfire.
As things take bigger turns and the issue of tigers steps up to become political, thanks to politicians, Vidya’s husband insists that she leaves things be and brings home her monthly salary. But Vidya stands her ground amid the local legislators, protests and even her husband. The movie is an enlightening scenario on various levels with great insight into the Indian Government machinery where things largely remain unchanged even today.
Other talented actors like Sharat Saxena, Mukul Chaddha, Vijay Raaz, Ila Arun, Brijendra Kala, and Neeraj Kabi in critical roles are like icing on the cake. The lead and supporting cast push the envelope further to give us an interesting mix of characters.
Amid the lush green forests, Sherni is also a visually striking piece that will keep you hooked for its spectacular performances, an engrossing narrative and the sounds of the rocky yet comforting landscape.
The movie goes live on Amazon Prime from 18 June.