Rating 3.5/5 Stars
When a film is announced, it is quite obvious for it to make it to the news. But what isn’t a common occurrence, is for it to be in the headlines for the wrong reasons. Saand Ki Aankh was that unfortunate film. The film, soon after its trailer reveal made rounds on social media for its strong plot line. A plot, that was narrated by true events. The film, helmed by Tushar Hiranandani stars Bhumi Pednekar and Taapsee Pannu, was criticised for not casting age appropriate actresses for the role. Well, it is a fair point. But Saand Ki Aankh will make you forget that very valid point. But did this 145 minute film deliver? Let’s find out.
The Plot:
Saand Ki Aankh stars two of Bollywood’s rising stars; Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar. The actresses are known to take on unconventional films. Saand Ki Aankh, if anything, stays true to the actresses’ profile. The film showcases Bhumi and Taapsee as famous Shooter Daadis, Chandro and Prakashi Tomar from Johri Village of UP. Set in the backdrop of the late 90s, Saand Ki Aankh shoes that the women are in their sixties, living in an extremely patriarchal household, with no say in the matters of the house. They are ordered around, work for their men, and are seen only as a reproduction devices. I use the term devices because that is exactly what they are shown as. They are looked down upon, insulted and humiliated by the men of house.
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One thing established in quite the beginning of Saand Ki Aankh was a message we oh-so badly need in this age and era – women lift women. The actresses are portrayed to be a team, to be equal to one another and to not oust each other to the men of the house. They laugh together, they cry together, the build together. The message of women empowerment comes after this premise. Even when they are abused by husbands, they come out in support of each other.
The duo after only ‘spending their lives’ decide to make future of their upcoming generations better. They decide to make their daughters and future generations ‘live’ theirs. Motivated by an acquaintance, the two women join a shooting range and excel at the sport. Prakashi and Chandro then inspire their next generation of women to participate in the sport too, which will later turn into a civil service.
Saand Ki Aankh manages to tackles a plethora of issues deep-rooted in any desi society. Patriarchy, ageism (more on that later), male validation, egos, lack of education, drive to success and what not. And the film does it brilliantly.
Saand Ki Aankh contradicts its own dilemma:
That one issue however, I would strongly like to address is Saand Ki Aankh contradicts its own dilemma. The film is about how women – and aged women – are deprived of opportunity, deprived of chances and are asked to not come out and work. And sadly, the director has sort of glorified all that with his casting.
Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar promoting Saand Ki Aankh
As much as this film and its stars, Taapsee and Bhumi are commendable for working a difficult script with such brilliance, it cannot shy away from the fact that Saand Ki Aankh could have been made with any two age appropriate Bollywood actresses. It could have been Neena Gupta and Shabana Azmi essaying Chandro and Pratiksha and I would have gladly devoured all the popcorn and come for a second show. The film, as strong as it is, lacks the diversity it so promises to portray. And that is where Bollywood needs to do better.
The reality of true events:
Another thing which would always stay at the back of your mind is the reality of the events narrated in the film. For women to have come from such a male-dominated household, has the film justified their lives? This one detail always leaves me unsatisfied when it comes to real life stories turned to reel. Would the actual shooter dadis be as fearless as Taapsee and Bhumi in the film? Maybe, they were. But certain scenes were so overly dramatised, it makes you question the integrity of the film.
Should You Watch It?
Yes! The film is a family entertainer that as an audience you will come to love. Saand Ki Aankh is witty, funny, emotional, gripping and will leave you feeling empowered – be it a man or a woman. So, take your daughters, your mothers and even the men in your family! The Tomar family will make you laugh with them, cry with them. You revel in their success and you’d get teary eyed at their failures.
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