By Shachi Chaturvedi
Cast: Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani and Siddhi Idnani
Director: Sudipto Sen
Runtime: 138 min
Ratings: 2/5
Synopsis
The premise revolves around a group of Kerala women who convert to Islam and join the terrorist Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Review
The film is described as being based on a true story, although the authenticity of the numbers depicted is not supported by any verifiable proof. It alludes to Love Jihad propaganda in Kerala, where Muslim youngsters supposedly seduce Hindu girls in order to convert them to Islam.
The story of the three girls depicted in the film is based on the three victims of Kerala. Although the issue is sensitive, there is no denying that, the way it has been portrayed appears to be a film that is brainwashing your minds while discussing people who spread love Jihad through brainwashing and conversion.
The film begins with Adah’s character Shalini/Fatima being apprehended by UN officers at the Afghan-Iran border, and then she takes you back in time to explain how she ended herself in this scenario. While telling the story, she discusses how she was brainwashed by one of their college roommates. Asifa is the primary antagonist in the story, with Nimah and Geetanjali as the other two victims.
As the story progresses, Shalini describes how Asifa introduced them to three of her cousins, who attempted to seduce the girls with their charm. Whereas Nimah was certain she would not convert, Geetanjali and Shalini became engrossed in their plan.
While Shalini went to Iraq because she trusted them, Geetanjali committed suicide after discovering the truth and having her MMS go viral.
As true as these events are, their portrayal is so phoney and manipulative that you begin to doubt everyone around you. There was no sign of anyone being cordial; it was as though we were sitting in a hotspot and everyone around us was attempting to set a trap for us.
Though the second half of the film, which takes you to the terrorists’ camp, is shown with a little grace, the first half is depressing.
There are some issues that should be read about in the news rather than commercialised and profited from, and this is unquestionably one of them. Good, you made a documentary before but now don’t turn it into a money-making venture.
In terms of star performances, Adah Sharma chose to act in a film that is nothing more than a structure constructed on the feelings and sentiments of the people. I believe this is Adah’s best performance, and she should choose a better script.
Aside from Adah, Sonia Balani appears to be acting with her accent, which is clearly forced. She is a talented actor, but she fails badly in this role.
To begin with, there is nothing spectacular about the cinematography that leaps out, although the screenplay does require some cutting.
Rather than showcasing cruelty, show facts and keep it subtle because, at the end of the day, no matter how honest you want to be with reality, it needs to be palatable for people to watch.
One thing that stood out to me while watching the film is that the directors preserved all of the songs in their native tongue to maintain authenticity and give you a taste of Kerala, which is outstanding and deserves commendation.
Conclusion
A movie that claims to be based on true events presented the topic in completely unpalatable ways. You can avoid watching this one.
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