RAKSHA BANDHAN

Regressive family drama has problematic messaging

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar, Sadia Khateeb, Sahejmeen Kaur Director: Aanand L Rai

THIS terribly tone-deaf film sees Akshay Kumar play an elder brother trying to find suitable matches for his four younger sisters, so he can finally get married to the woman he loves.

His character goes through various challenges, including financial, as he tries to make that happen. While this family-drama had been billed as a tribute to brothers and sisters, it is hugely problematic. Instead of empowering the young women, this film puts across the message that females are worthless unless they are married or domesticated, and they must rely on male members of their family to make it happen.

Rather than bringing back any kind of oldworld charm, this regressive film largely revolves around an outdated subject and then adds in some emotional moments. There is also a problematic messaging about skin colour and weight. The very basic storyline is predictable and doesn’t have anything that will hold your attention. Despite the film being short, this paper-thin plotline seems stretched out.

Instead of having that presence of a devoted elder brother, 54-year-old Akshay Kumar looks more like the father of the four young females in the film and like many of his fellow cast members does plenty of overacting. Talented actress Bhumi Pednekar is completely wasted in her mostly meaningless role.

The four young girls deliver spirited performances, but they are largely pushed to the background. Director Aanand L Rai is unable to inject any life into the film and adds to his recent misfires. The music is forgettable. The only redeeming factor is the cinematography, but that isn’t really enough to watch this misogynistic and sexist film.

This is a film that could perhaps have been made in a bygone black-and-white era. Instead of making you emotional, it will make you angry, especially the female audience.