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Filhaal
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'Filhaal'

By ApunKaChoice Bureau
Film critic, ApunKaChoice.Com

Meghna Gulzar has chosen a gripping subject with a great potential to make her directorial debut. Though woman-oriented, the subject has a universal appeal.

At the center of the story are two childhood friends whose relationship is put to test by the sudden and unexpected twist of fate when Rewa (Tabu) discovers her inability to conceive. Sia (Sushmita) empathizes with her best friend’s anguish and, despite her lack of will, offers to lend her womb to conceive the child of Rewa and Dhruv.

The

decision angers Sia’s beau, Saahil. It also affects the married life of Rewa and Dhruv when Sia at last gets pregnant following a meticulous medical operation.

Now Meghna takes the film to a different plane altogether. She begins exploring Rewa’s simmering jealousy following her hubby’s increasing proximity towards Sia. Sia’s character too changes and she begins appreciating the little homely things she never cared for before. From a girl who never thought of settling into domesticity, she starts making plans about raising the child.

The relationships get further complicated and at one point it seems that the story would fall under the weight of this web of tangled relations. But, thankfully, Meghna doesn’t go overboard and takes the story to its logical conclusion without unnecessary rona dhona.

“Filhaal” has some commendable performances from Tabu and Sushmita. Tabu superbly delineates the role of a woman who likes to settle into conjugal bliss and have children. She retains the demeanor of an introvert and her body language gives the impression of a shy and meek woman. She even seems to have enhanced Sanjay Suri’s performance.

Sushmita also impresses with her finely etched portrayal of a smart modern girl who is independent, longs to have a career and keeps her beau on toes. Pitched opposite her, Palash Sen seemed to be having some difficult conveying the right emotions.

Anu Malik’s music is lilting though some of the songs in the film are ill placed, and needlessly alter the narrative’s pace.

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