Time to straighten things out. Review on Pink (2016)

Fight for justice of three working girls against false allegations by politically well-connected boys in Delhi.

This is one of the best movies of 2016 carrying a social message while countering the general views men carry of women at times based on their immature assumptions and skewed judgement.

Story: Minal Arora(Taapsee Pannu) from Delhi, Falak Ali(Kirti Kulhari) from Lucknow and Andrea(Andrea Tariang) from Meghalaya are roommates in a rented accommodation in Delhi. They are strongly bonded and feel each other’s pain. A school friend introduces them to his friends Dumpy(Raashul Tandon) and Rajveer Singh(Angad Bedi) at a Rock Concert. They are then insisted for dinner and later on for drinks at a hotel. Finding Minal alone, Rajveer forces himself on her and in the ensuing struggle to set herself free, Minal grasps a glass bottle and smashes it on Rajveer’s head. The girls flee and Rajveer is taken to the hospital. The girls nor the boys go to the police, to avoid trouble. But the trouble is the boys are looking for revenge. They threaten the landlord to evict the girls from his premises citing they are into prostitution. Minal is unapologetic and her friends are supportive. Minal is threatened and kidnapped which is witnessed by Deepak Sehgal(Amitabh Bachchan) who is a lawyer but suffers from a health condition and is on medication. Minal lodges a Zero FIR against the boys which is followed by the boys lodging an FIR alleging attempt to murder against Minal. Minal is arrested and jailed. Her friends struggle to get her out on bail and is helped by Deepak who decides to fight for Minal in court. The court proceeding is intense and engaging. There is considerable display of power of the rich, and their political connections which is humbly but effectively countered by Deepak and the girls. At one point Minal is asked embarrassing questions as to when she lost her virginity and whether she accepted money for sleeping with her boyfriends. She is even asked to share a dirty joke which embarrassed her father and he leaves the court room. All evidences are against Minal and the girls who are labelled as sex workers and Deepak Sehgal is determined not to give up. You have to watch the film to know the verdict of the Judge.

Cast: I cannot single out an actor as everyone across the board whether in key or supporting role had poured their heart out into their performances making ‘Pink’ a must watch film.

Pros: Cast, Script, Cinematography, Dialogues, Editing. The scene where Minal is seated in jail with filthy surrounding. Raising of the issue of harassment of North Eastern people. Hint on the need for ‘Girls Safety Manual’ and providing few helpful tips for girls. Independent girls confusing boys was well illustrated in the court by Deepak Sehgal. The courtroom drama and the discipline practiced during the proceedings was effectively captured. Falak Ali does not find support from her image conscious Company when her morphed picture  appears on a porn site. The relationship of the three girls came across stronger than family members. The songs were decent while the story and screenplay by Ritesh Shah had dept and impact. The direction of Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury displayed great insight, maturity and dedication.

Cons: The screenplay was slow in some places. The climax could have been more impactful as the verdict did not come across convincingly strong. Deepak is shown being aloof and into depression but once he takes up the court case, his health condition disappears and he becomes focused and super sharp.

Conclusion: We live in a community where the time of entry of a girl in her house decides her character. If she is early, she is decent and if not then she is a loose character. Women often bear the brunt of male chauvinism. “Tu ladki hai. Baat badhegi to badnami teri hi hogi” is commonly heard. The film gives a glimpse of how a decent girl could easily be labelled as working in sex trade while she has a grueling time countering the allegations to prove it wrong. No wonder rape cases are not registered for lack of support from family members, friends or relatives and fear of ostracisation. ‘Pink’ had an angel in the form of a lawyer who fought the case for the girls. In reality we do not find even one person come forward to help a woman being beaten up when a crowd is a shameless witness. Women empowerment and gender equality is being preached but it is high time it is practiced and upheld by us and by those in power. The fight is not their alone but ours if we care for them. The film is successful in pointing finger at boys to learn to behave and at girls to be extra careful & not to be naive. ‘Pink’ is a must watch and highly recommended for your family and friends this week.