Girls Will Be Girls Review: Preeti Panigrahi, Kani Kusruti’s film is an unapologetic, unsettling coming-of-age drama that hits all the right notes

Shuchi Talati’s Girls Will Be Girls is a tale of a girl transitioning into womanhood and exploring her desires. The movie is subtle yet effective, will hit the right spots.

The years in a girl’s life when she steps into womanhood and begins to explore herself and her desires are among the most memorable times for any woman. This is precisely what Shuchi Talati’s Girls Will Be Girls seeks to capture for its audience. Set against the backdrop of an elite boarding school in the foothills of the Himalayas, the film weaves together three parallel stories: the discovery of desires, the craving for attention, and a turbulent mother-daughter relationship – all unfolding with their own unique complexities.

The phrase ‘coming-of-age’ perfectly fits Girls Will Be Girls due to its poignant storyline and out-of-the-box portrayal. The film not only takes you back to your own time and evokes nostalgia for first love, brushing of hands, the first kiss, and everything in between from your school days, but it also deeply resonates with what we see on our screens. Additionally, the film sheds light on the double standards in society and the pervasive nature of patriarchy that exists in every corner of life.

Plot and Themes

The film centres around 16-year-old Mira (played by Preeti Panigrahi), a bright and exceptionally talented teenager whose achievements make her the first female student to be appointed head prefect at her boarding school. However, as soon as Mira is given this responsibility, we get a glimpse of the societal shackles when Mira’s teacher says, “Some senior teachers doubted that a girl could achieve this,” to which Mira’s mother Anila (played by Kani Kusruti) responds, “In our times, girls weren’t even given a chance.” The film explores what it truly means to be a ‘model’ student with perfect grades (and socks that never slip) and a skirt that’s always the ‘right’ length.

Mira’s life takes a turn when she meets fellow student Srinivas (played by Kesav Binoy Kiron). As Mira begins to explore the fluttering emotions of her first crush, a tender romance blossoms between her and Sri. From the shy brushing of fingers to sharing cosy moments, Mira and Sri’s journey leads to a first kiss and navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence. These heartfelt experiences evoke a wave of nostalgia for school days.

However, even during these moments, Mira is constantly reminded of how a girl should behave and react, especially the notion that ‘friendships with boys could ruin their studies and image.’ Interestingly, the film forces you to think about society’s double standards when a girl is often reminded to wear skirts below knee length, however at the same time when Mira tries to report the boys taking obscene photos of girls, her teachers shifts the blame on girls instead.  The hard-hitting dialogue  “This is why you need to be mindful of the length of your skirt,”  of Mira’s teacher imply that the “boys will be boys” and highlights the patriarchal pattern.

Girls Will Be Girls is not only a story of self-discovery and desires, but it also reflects the ineffective marriage of Mira’s parents, leaving her mother completely alone and yearning for attention and approval. As the story progresses, Mira’s protective mother, Anila, uncovers the budding romance of her daughter. A typical viewer would expect the usual parental response – becoming stricter and grounding their kids. However, the course of action here is different. Anila’s actions blur the boundaries between discipline, jealousy, and a longing to recapture her lost youth when Sri becomes a regular visitor at Mira’s home.

The film delves into the intricacies of the mother-daughter duo’s tough and loud relationship and how a teenager would retaliate after being caught for their romance. Girls Will Be Girls then takes a turn when the relationship between Mira and her mother changes, and Anila becomes Mira’s confidant and shield.

Despite the three parallel stories running, Shuchi Talati’s film does justice to all its characters, from Mira, who is madly attracted to Sri, to Anila, who performs her mother duties while simultaneously fighting her loneliness, and the relationship between Mira and Anila, which constantly goes through ups and downs – ultimately reaching a point where Mira realises that her mother is her sole best friend.

Performances:

Shuchi Talati blindly trusted her actors, and they indeed made her proud. It’s hard to believe that Girls Will Be Girls marks Preeti Panigrahi’s debut. She outshines throughout the film, delivering a standout performance that infuses innocence, authority, curiosity, and desire.

In our opinion, one of the most challenging characters in the film was Kani Kusruti’s portrayal of Anila. Coming from an era where Anila witnessed the hardships patriarchy imposed on women, she still chooses to shatter the shackles of societal and patriarchal norms. Anila ensures her daughter never feels inferior but often reminds Mira to respect her trust. Fighting her own battles, Kusruti’s character still tries to be the best version of herself as a parent.

Lastly, Kesav Binoy Kiron’s portrayal of Sri brings a smooth, confident charm that gives a perfect contrast to Mira’s character as they both navigate the world with their respective lenses. The creators thoughtfully add a sense of awareness to Sri’s character by depicting a moment where he warns Mira about other boys peeping under her skirt during chemistry practicals. This particular trait of Sri serves as a reminder that such values should be instilled in every boy and man around the world.

Verdict

The film touches every corner of its themes, and the three lead actors carry the movie beautifully. The absence of any music gives the movie more depth, serving as a deliberate storytelling device that heightens tension and conveys the film’s themes.

Girls Will Be Girls is an evocative and refreshing take on female relationships and self-discovery. It is a film that resonates deeply—not only for its authentic portrayal of womanhood but also for its unapologetic honesty. With stellar performances and compelling storytelling, it is a must-watch for anyone seeking a narrative that challenges conventional norms and celebrates individuality.

Girls will be Girls Helmed by Shuchi Talati and produced by Pushing Buttons Films’ Richa Chadha, Dolce Vita Films’ Claire Chassagne, Crawling Angel Films’ Sanjay Gulati and the director herself, with Ali Fazal serving as the executive producer. The movie won two awards at the Sundance Film Festival–The Audience Award and Special Jury Award for Acting.

Stars: 4