Filhaal... (2002)

Filhaal... was probably the best take on surrogate pregnancy I have seen in Indian cinema (let's not even go near the TV experience). Not to say that it wasn't without its flaws, but overall, an interesting watch especially when "altruistic" surrogacy has become such a hot topic in political discourse.

The star of the movie, and probably the reason why everyone should watch it, is yet another fantastic performance by Queen T. If there's one word that comes to mind when describing her character Rewa, it's "frustrated". And Tabu makes sure you can physically feel her frustration. I'm not saying that she overdoes it- she is as subtle about it always, and doesn't give a one-dimensional performance. What I'm trying to say is- I am not the kind of person who wants children. It's not a life-goal for me to become a mother. And yet, I could empathise with Rewa, I could understand why she did what she did, and why her emotions were so erratic and all over the place. I mean, I was of course very perplexed (and yes, disgusted) that this was all happening for a baby, but that's the power of Tabu's acting- it's all in the details. Look closely enough, and you'll get it.

Now for a gay rant: isn't it painfully obvious that Rewa and Sia (Sushmita Sen) were IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER??? I mean, no offence to Sanjay Suri (and full offence to Palash Sen), but the movie would have worked just fine without them. Actually, I take that back. Dhruv (Suri) could still have stuck around as Rewa and Sia's other best friend (he had really good chemistry with both Tabs and Sush) but Palash Sen can still FO. Lowkey ruined the movie. But seriously, imagine: Rewa and Sia, childhood best friends now in lurrve, ask their good friend Dhruv if he would help them out with a baby because REWA REALLY WANTS KIDS AND SIA WILL DO ANYTHING FOR HER, INCLUDING CARRYING THEIR CHILD BECAUSE REWA CAN'T, EVEN THOUGH SIA NEVER THOUGHT SHE'D BECOME A MOTHER. Just, the audacity of depriving us of this story is too much. Sorry, Meghna, but you better compensate us by giving an actual lesbian love story starring Tabu and Sushmita Sen. 

Also, the whole bit about Sushmita going on and on about her career being the reason why she doesn't want to "settle down" got old pretty fast. Can't women be allowed to not want to be mothers without having an unbreakable boner for their careers? I mean, I get it, it's an easy way to circumvent the Indian society's incredulity and bullying about compulsory motherhood, but I am tired. I don't want to be a mom, and that has only a tangential connection with my career aspirations. Stop this dichotomy of "career woman" and "mom", it's so disrespectful to the women who do both WONDERFULLY (shout-out to M). And also must be so discouraging for women who want to do both, but feel pressured because of these ridiculous notions. #feminism

In conclusion- watch this for Tabu. And get drunk while you're watching it and completely twist the movie so that it's Sushmita and Tabu who're in love and Sanjay is just the well-meaning friend and sperm donor. Amen. 

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