Margarita with a Straw (2014) User Reviews

This is about life...

[anindya-saha · 8/10 · 20 April 2015]

Imagine the joy when you surmount a big challenge, see a majestic bird soar into the heavens or see someone living big despite a lot of odds!

I was frankly delightfully numbed by the overall story of this movie, the authentic act by the overall cast, especially Kalki. If there is a real contender for an Academy award, this film is rightfully starting at your face!

The only part where I thought there was a little more focus given than fitting was the sexuality but all the same, it was honest! This is not a fairy tale which has to stop at kissing the princess, this is real and what life is all about.

I felt Bollywood has done a somersault and landed on its feet - felt proud.

At the end, without alienating anyone, I would say this is not for everyone. While very entertaining, if you are more of the masala movies type, this may not be for you.

A fun inspiring movie with truths about reality and acceptance

[abhinavparekh · 8/10 · 20 April 2015]

This film teaches us that irrespective of whatever condition you are born with- being blind or having cerebral palsy or whatever event happens in your life which changes your life's circumstance, you should attempt to not be low on self confidence and self esteem and you have every right to command respect as an individual in your own right, have fun in your own way ie whatever your natural self desires to do and have a positive attitude to everything in life. The question is of whether you are able to be an individual who can follow his or her desire to the fullest as you rightfully should be able to without worrying about its consequences on other people close to you or worrying but making effort to tackle the same truthfully honestly or are you an individual who compromises and sacrifices for others and controls oneself from fulfilling his or her complete desires. The film specifically reveals the reality of natural sexual desire which is there in all human beings but that desire can be anything and being a homosexual, lesbian or bisexual isn't really a crime as many think of it but is an individual preference. This preference is sometimes not easily acceptable by the individual or the society as we have pre conceived notions about what we consider normal and what we don't. There is nothing wrong in that as thats probably wired into our brains but on thinking we should be able to accept what is not normal as well and let individuals just BE!

Overall good acting by Kalki and a good watch.

How does she do it?

[nikhil_kamra · 8/10 · 22 August 2016]

After watching this movie, I am seriously having a hard time believing that Kalki DOES NOT HAVE cerebral palsy in real life. I need to watch some of her interviews perhaps to let reality set in after being consumed by this flick. It's been hours since I finished watching it, and I still cannot get over it.

This movie is so much and so little, both at the same time. No it is not perfect, but it is damn well near perfection.

On the surface it's your average story centered around a person with a disability. That's it.

But beneath that are so many layers.

It sends out a message not just about the lives of people with disabilities, rather about outcast people, in general. It says so much by saying so little. I love how they chose to just show the life of this one person. They didn't shove her disability down our throats. Neither did they try to shove the aspect of her sexuality down our throats. She is portrayed just like a regular person, like you, like me. She faces problems at home, in college, in another country, just like we would. I, for one, never felt like she was different from any of us. 20 minutes in, I completely forgot that I was watching a movie and not a real life portrayal of a person.

Yes, it did get a tiny bit cheesy with that music contest in the beginning, but the turnout was pretty funny and really unexpected.

All the other characters are also portrayed perfectly. I really liked the character of her mother too. She was very realistic. Not only her, but everyone, from her college friends, to her family, to her male companions, to her blind girlfriend. Everyone was extraordinary. Almost none of them came short. And none of them felt forced.

I especially loved the ending sequence. It really touched my heart.

I don't get why movies like these are like hidden gems in our country. I barely heard about this movie when it came out. Rather, I stumbled across it when I was surfing one day. Rather than advertising these masterpieces, Bollywood focuses more on the average or sometimes even below average romantic comedies and action flicks. Don't get me wrong. Even I enjoy those sometimes, but THIS is what Bollywood needs right now. And I'm glad to see more and more such movies are being made in our country. I think we are going to see a huge change in Bollywood, only a few years from now. It's already started. :)

Trust me when I say this, because I don't say this very often, but Kalki deserves an Oscar for this movie. Kudos to her, and the rest of the cast for this near perfection.

8.5/10 Don't miss this. It's a must watch for everyone.

Bravo! Margarita With A Straw

[prasadbabumatta · 24 April 2015]

'Chune Chali Aasma' singing in my mind, with a subtle smile on my face; gratified and moved, I walk down the stairs of the multiplex.

A fantastic story, elegantly told, powerfully acted and excellently directed is something, I would refer to as VARANASI (a dialog in the film), which is lot of noise but in peace, if nothing else.

This Margarita is spilt all over me; and is definitely intoxicating. Sometimes less is more and Margarita with a straw is MORE.

Bravo! MargaritaWithAStraw In a society where disability has always been invisible and unable to provide for differently-abled people, MWAS is refreshing movie that throws light on the very fact that they are there to be found, normal like us.

Many pluses to the film; exceptional heart wrecking story, which is at the same time elevating, keeps you smiling all the time. There is some very modern and captivating music, beautiful lyrics, aptly lensed and direction is splendid.

There is a scene in the movie where the band performs "Dusokute" (which means in her eyes in Assamese - a rock piece by joi barua) which Laila writes & composes, wins an inter collage competition. While they announce the trophy with a special reference to the disability but for ability of Laila, the expression Kalki delivers and that rage in her action, made me shed my first tear.

Where our writers sometimes fail to execute one just challenge or difficulty to the protagonist effectively, Margarita's script writer and director have convincingly put in multiple challenges. A teenager, Laila (Kalki Koechin) on wheelchair with cerebral palsy, aspiring writer and musician, a normal middle class family, studies abroad, a blind pakistani gay girlfriend (foreign balamwa), mother's cancer, her raging hormones and zeel for life and the count goes on.....whuff !!! Kudos.

Talking about the technicality, its a definitive directors baby (Shonali Bose) with some exception scripting. Unconventionally narrated for the loose ends of the continuity of story has been marvelously draped by sheer excellence of direction, which STANDS out. Well balanced characters with their unique sketches, interestingly woven and patterned.

Alongside, Kalki, the film puts the spotlight on, Sayani Gupta, who plays Khanum, her blind lover from Pakistan with whom Laila embarks on an intriguing journey of sexual discovery. Scary for the character, as she speaks, but a delight for the evolving indie audience. Sayani is indeed SAYANI; her portrayal of a blind person without being weighed down by the condition, is breath taking. There are interesting intimate scenes in the movie, which have been edited without any background score (very unlikely approach), are bang on.

Laila's mother (Revathi), reflecting the undying attitude of a mother towards her child, is a cancer patient. She also shares a considerable story time and has performed her role, as an AADAT for Lalia, with utmost perfection. In one of the scenes Laika speaks -Everyone has mother, but she has an aadat ...and that made me drop a tear, yet again .

The protagonist 'Kalki' is absolutely brilliant as Laila; convincingly powerful and award worthy. She completely sucks you into her world, which is evolving, scattered and at the same time simple. Margarita's on-screen depiction of homosexuality, or of disabled people having sex for that matter, in Indian cinema is very brave. The movie throws lot of questions at you without answering them directly, in your faces. A big movie ,especially , for the ones with human rights and gay and lesbian genre.

I am, kind of ,short of praises for such a bold, proactive film about disability and of course coming out, which is an integral part of this story. A very personal thank you note indeed for the director to have done incredible justice to the story with her binding direction , which otherwise would have been lost in transition. Thank you for making the film available for us to see and reflect upon.

Its far better than most of the Bollywood dramas we dwell upon. Go sip on this 'Margarita- with a straw' Ladies and Gentlemen.

👏👏👏👏👏🌹

Worthy of Note

[papukamakshi · 6/10 · 24 April 2015]

Everything about "Margarita with a Straw" is worthy of note. I loved the storyline, the treatment of it, the portrayal by the actors of their respective characters, and the development of the theme of physical disability and how individuals cope and live their lives to the fullest. When the film ended, I did feel a lump in my throat, especially when I read the dedication by Shonali Bose.

I personally understood a few things better about cerebral palsy after I saw this film, and that has made an impression on me. Yet, when it was all done, I had a feeling that I had seen a fine documentary rather than a feature film. The flat realism of the narration distanced me from the destinies of the characters, and the jagged pacing of the screenplay hindered a deep involvement with the emotions of the very attractive characters.

I wondered, too, why the main characters had to experience a full hand of exceptional circumstances—being affected by cerebral palsy, she is bisexual, her romantic partner is blind, and her mother is in a serious situation. These loaded circumstances of the main character's life made the film's focus thin. As for the acting, kudos to just about everyone.

I was pleasantly surprised that the tiresome Hindi film style of portraying a person with disablities was entirely dropped, and the director wisely avoided histrionics. I am glad I saw it, even if I don't rate the film as great cinema.

Great way to kick off TIFF 2014

[nikkd · 9/10 · 5 December 2014]

I went to see this film because the last Kalki Koechlin film I viewed called The Girl With the Yellow Boots was very impressive. As was this film. It started innocently enough. Demonstrating Kalki's extraordinary acting ability.

The story was very precious and demonstrated how somebody with the lead characters challenges still strives to have a normal life. And id doing so it became apparent that even with her physical disability she is able to lead a normal and filling life.

Possibly even more so then people who are able bodied.

It we actually a very beautiful film. The film style which was very simplistic actually made it very believable. I will definitely see another Kalki Koechlin film and I can only hope that it is as good as Margarita with a Straw.

I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet

[g_aparna · 6/10 · 23 June 2015]

Sad film indeed.

Helen Keller — 'I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet' First lesson learnt – Never ever crib or be depressed for whatever reason – there is so much more pain in this world! Here, in our world, normal or so called able humans are committing suicide because of relationship failures or money matters – and here we see that a girl – born to a well-to-do family of course, tries to live her life…by leaning things from the ways of the world! The easy access to porn world available to children and youths Film also shows the ease with which the youth and even children have access to porn cinema , images and web sites! Environment makes a man after all…so in spite of being talented – like having the ability to do creative writing, compose music etc. she (the disabled kalki in the film) was more keen on downloading porn sites and fantasize things plus masturbate as well – she took the risk of masturbating while being in the same room as her younger brother! Poor her..and her brother…and her mother..and her father! Better not interfere in anybody's sexual preferences The movie also subtly conveys to the world that human beings can take to bisexuality, trisexuality or even multisexuality…or even decide to remain unisexual all their lives – it should not be anyone's bloody business to interfere in anybody's sexual preferences! But since this is India and Indian parents are very concerned about their children and are doubly concerned about what is being sown on their gullible minds…the producer and the director had to be extra careful before delivering this message openly – so they made use of a cerebral palsy patient – who basically will awaken this understanding in us that nobody has the right to interfere in anybody's sexual preferences! Wow! So basically paedophiles can have a good time now and the cops will not have to persecute any peadophile …. as we, the people, will awaken to this great understanding of human nature (esp. sexual nature) ! Similarly, even rapists should go scot free – because it is the preference of a rapist to forcibly land on Thailand….(thigh land – poor joke)! The Indian film makers could not have conveyed this great message by some 'supposedly' normal citizen…else we, the Indians, would have probably throttled them! Probable Repercussions in India: We are already aware of the atrocities that go on in asylums or in clinics/ homes where physically disabled children and adults live – like their parents or relatives arrange to keep them in an environment where similar people live and they can befriend each other and spend time.

I have read in many magazines as to how the poor girls & boys (mentally challenged, genetically handicapped etc.) are molested/ raped by the care-takers themselves (some care takers not all of course)! After watching such a film, those corrupt people will increase their atrocities…..since the film showed how desperate such people can be to experience sex! Anyway, sad film, very sad indeed!

Excellent on so many fronts

[paulsmithson-192-243826 · 9/10 · 12 February 2018]

Having read through the reviews at this movie I am amazed that some people felt the lead character was a nasty/selfish person. If that is the main takeaway then I think you missed a big point of the film, and that is that EVERYONE has issues. Those people who wrote these reviews seemed to think badly of Kalki's character simply because of some of the ways she behaved - as though 'disabled' people are supposed to behave by some kind of superior set of values. To those people I suggest you watch it again and see her as a human being and realize she IS more than her disabilities.

Personally, I found it to be a superb movie. From the script writing through the cinematography to the acting. There were some seriously strong performances and not just from Kalki Koechlin who, quite frankly, deserves an Oscar for her performance.

There's so much to like about this film and so little to dislike and it is very thought-provoking, which has to be a good thing. As others have pointed out it is definitely not a masala movie and as there are some mature themes in it, I wouldn't say it was family viewing, unless your kids are old enough.

Just Something I've Never Thought About

[ini_ynti-22457 · 7/10 · 14 March 2018]

At first, I didn't know the main cast of this movie was actually a normal person. What a great acting! It's been a long time I didn't follow the update of Bollywood movies since the era of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. So yeah, it's no wonder I've never heard of Kalki Koechlin and any other casts, except maybe the one who played as Laila's mother. I think I've seen her somewhere in Bollywood movies.

Getting to know her, I started to search about her other works or activities on the Internet and I found some on YouTube. Wow, she looks like a smart actress. The way she speaks about women empowerment or feminist. She's done a lot of movies and I found her other movie on Netflix. I hope I can watch it soon enough.

This movie doesn't only cover about the everyday life of a person with a cerebral palsy, but also about her sexual life. This what makes this movie unusual. What's more, Laila is in the position where she's confused about her sexual preference. It's something I've never thought about before. And reading the making process of this movie on Wikipedia makes me appreciate this movie even more.

A truly great movie about a remarkable young woman

[Red-125 · 10/10 · 5 November 2015]

Margarita, with a Straw (2014) is an Indian film written and directed by Shonali Bose and Nilesh Maniyar.

Kalki Koechlin plays Laila, an intelligent young woman who is gifted in many ways. The only thing that could hold her back is her cerebral palsy. This medical problem is not shown to us as a beautiful young woman with a limp. Laila's body is twisted, she must use a wheelchair, and she needs help in many different ways. She's fiercely independent, but her cerebral palsy keeps getting in the way of her life.

Ultimately, Laila moves to NYC, to go to college. She arrives in the middle of winter. Seeing NYC in winter through a foreigner's eyes was a revelation. The city isn't just cold--it's threatening. However, the first New Yorker with whom Laila interacts is a bus driver in one of NYC's kneeling buses. He is friendly and helpful, and that's a revelation too.

Most of the movie takes place in New York City, and Laila adapts well to her new situation. She succeeds academically, she falls in love, and she's happy. I had expected endless psychological and mechanical obstructions. However, Laila's enthusiasm for life keeps these frustrations at bay. The romantic problems are harder to overcome. How Laila copes with them is the major plot theme.

I need to make special mention of Kalki Koechlin as Leila. She is so convincing as a person with cerebral palsy that I had to check her biography to make sure she did not have this condition. It would be interesting to see an actor with cerebral palsy playing a starring role in a movie. However, Kalki Koechlin doesn't have cerebral palsy. It's hard to imagine how Koechlin could convince us that Leila has cerebral palsy. Koechlin's portrayal shows incredible acting skills. My compliments to her on her great performance!

We saw this movie on the large screen as part of ImageOut, the superb Rochester LGBT Film Festival. It will work almost as well on the small screen.

Brave & Affecting!

[namashi_1 · 7/10 · 10 May 2016]

Shonali Bose's 'Margarita, with a Straw' is a Brave & Affecting Film, that pushes the narrative clichés & achieves something real. And Kalki's National-Award Winning Performance, Inspires.

'Margarita, with a Straw' Synopsis: A rebellious young woman with cerebral palsy leaves her home in India to study in New York, unexpectedly falls in love, and embarks on an exhilarating journey of self-discovery.

'Margarita, with a Straw' is about Laila, rebellious young woman, who lives her life with courage & bluntness. The protagonist here, is bisexual & has no shame in coming out to her mother. She's not perfect, she cheats on her girl, for a man & accepts it. Laila isn't your done-to-death protagonist, but a much more daring & compelling one.

Bose's Screenplay is slowly paced, but its strong overall. The protagonist's journey has enough moments to arrest your attention, despite a few dull moments. Bose's Direction, on the other-hand, is realistic. Cinematography & Editing are well-done.

Performance-Wise: Kalki has emerged as one of the most versatile, fearless performers of her generation. And her terrific portrayal here proves that fact right, yet again! As Laila, Kalki is courageous, fierce & affecting, delivering an inspiring performance from start to end. Revathi is priceless as Kalki's mother. Its such a pleasure to see the veteran perform with such ease after a hiatus. Sayani Gupta as Kalki's blind girlfriend, is fantastic. Kuljeet Singh as Kalki's father, is adorable. Others lend good support.

On the whole, 'Margarita, with a Straw' dares to be different & yet it works. Watch It!

Margarita, With a Straw! - Brilliance at next level!

[dwijvasavada · 8/10 · 13 June 2015]

Quoting in a broader sense, there are 3 kinds of actors: 1. Humans who make great actors 2. Actors who make great humans And the 3rd...........? Book a show of "Margarita With a Straw" to experience the 3rd kind called Kalki Koechlin. In a snap you'll confront to the prowess & virtuosity of this super-skilled woman only to fall in love with her (again). 'Laila' will instantly conquer your heart with her eyes & body language. It is tough to imagine people with cerebral palsy. What's tougher is to admire & respect their choices around their sexuality & life in general. And MWAS's vulgar-free modus operandi enables us to do this. The subtle-yet-bold performance from Kalki & her journey of discovering her sexual choices is substantial & heart-warming at the same time. Overall, in a society like ours where we witness a cocktail of strong opinions, it might just be a liberating escapade to have Shonali Bose's Margarita.......With a Straw! smile emoticon ‪#‎margaritawithastraw‬ ‪#‎bollywood‬

Margarita, with a Straw (A) Hindi ---------- my Rating: ★★★½ MAGNIFICENT PERFORMANCE

[yunusitboss · 7/10 · 6 September 2015]

New movie Reviews and lots more Hot news .... LIKE THIS PAGE : English Hindi TAMIL TELUGU Facebook : Movie Review by Yunus Irshad https://www.facebook.com/YunusIrshadsMovieReview

Margarita, with a Straw (A) Hindi ---------- my Rating: ★★★½ MAGNIFICENT PERFORMANCE STRENGTHS:- * Revathy and Kalki's performance... * Story Screenplay and dialogues were magnificent..... * Visuals were stunning..... * Reality content.... WEAKNESSES:- * Climax was not special..... * Slows in the second half..... FINAL VERDICT:- * Overall... it is a unclean drama of a disabled girl. It contains what a girl is about she enjoys her life... It is a great one time watch.... A rebellious young woman with cerebral palsy leaves her home in India to study in New York, unexpectedly falls in love, and embarks on an exhilarating journey of self-discovery. Directors: Shonali Bose, Nilesh Maniyar Writers: Shonali Bose (story), Nilesh Maniyar, 1 more credit » Stars: Kalki Koechlin, Revathy, Sayani Gupta | See full cast and crew »

Pretentious Is Thrown Around Too Much. But That's What This Movie Is.

[itsthemanwiththeplan · 1/10 · 31 August 2016]

This is the second worst movie I've ever seen in my life (the first being Monsters by Gareth Edwards), but to explain why however is complicated. A story with an unlikable character is fine, Scott Pilgrim was one of the freshest offerings we've seen in recent cinema and the title character couldn't be more of a pathetic dick. Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans was a story entirely about a maniac cop who uses and brutalizes others and how the system allows people like him to exist.

Laila, the film's protagonist, is selfish, moody, pitiful, takes advantage of her disability, consistently and effortlessly avoids consequence or karmic retribution for her horrible behavior and in the end, having learned nothing, having gained nothing and having treated the people around her like garbage, she learns to love herself, which is represented metaphorically by, no joke, having Laila end the film by going on a date with herself and giggling flirtatiously at herself in a mirror.

Bad Lieutenant this is not, the story goes out of its way to paint Laila as a beautiful human being despite her numerous short-comings and lack of any redeeming quality besides the inherent sadness behind being physically handicapped and then ends by having the people around her reaffirm their happiness with her and having her realize the deep love she's learned to allow herself.

The film is riddled with countless other flaws, writing that seems to rely on cinematography to tell its story and cinematography that is unclear and obfuscated. Kalki Koechlin seems to be a sort of anti-Christopher Nolan in her incompetence at relaying vital information. Scenes appear and disappear with no function, even as introspection or down-time. Characters are introduced and dropped having plenty of screen-time and no influence on the plot, which is thin enough as is, then leaving without explanation. The director is so frightened by the idea of having a tense scene for even a moment that the movie will drop levity into a scene the very moment a character is given a tough situation or bad news, just so the audience doesn't feel uncomfortable for even a second.

But every single complaint, big or small, that I could lob at the movie is overshadowed by the writer's crippling love and forgiveness for a character who has an ugly heart.

This is not the indie masterpiece that's going to bring much needed representation to cerebral palsy. It's not cultural touch-stone that will introduce or represent Indian culture or cinema to international audiences to any meaningful degree. It's a selfish fantasy by this generation's worst independent screenwriter.

It's free on Netflix. Give it a try if you really must, but I can't warn you against it enough.

Awesome film

[silvan-desouza · 7/10 · 29 April 2015]

Kalki Koechin is back after a long time, the actress is best in such films and she yet again proves her mark. The film tells a different story of a girl who has celebral palsy and later she comes to know that she is a transgender which is very unique for bollywood. The film dares to defy the stereotype and should be lauded for that. The film is well handled and well written

Direction is good Music is okay

Kalki is awesome yet again in a challenging role, Revathy strikes yet again and she is awesome, rest are all good in their roles special mention must be given to Sayani Gupta as Khayum,

Kalki shines in the lead, Sonali made a beautiful masterpiece.

[maulin5 · 8/10 · 20 April 2015]

#MargaritaWithAStraw : A Sonali Bose film, starring Kalki Koechlin, Revathi & Sayani Gupta. The film describes an abnormal person's life, her relationship with her mom, her boyfriend, her normal friends, her foreign tour, her classmate, her gay partner, & at last with her, too. Sonali explains every situation very politely. This film is surely not a cup of tea for many viewers who love masala movies. This film made you to think, to love yourself, to enjoy life without any fear of being criticize. So, stop judging and enjoy the life! Surely watchable in the theater. But, only interested one can go, otherwise those kind of people who pass comments (if you are in this category, please don't go. Because you have to be keep quiet while watching.) may spoil others mood. So, enjoy the movie and at last, cheers to Kalki!

Loved it.

[pooja_1390 · 8/10 · 6 November 2015]

Great art movie! I don't really watch Indian movies but when it comes to such art movies, it is indeed worth watching. This movie is different and yet entertaining. It teaches us about acceptance of oneself. Basically, the movie started off with a disabled teenager struggling with self-identity and sexuality issues which are very common during the phase of adolescence. The role of Leila, the main character, was so well played and portrayed by the talented Kalki Koelchin. Things become complicated when Leila flies to America to pursue her studies. She explores her sexuality fully. Taboo issues such as homosexuality have been subtly looked at. Finally, while being quite of a heart wrecking movie, it ends on a feel-good note where Leila is finally at peace with herself.

Outstanding acting; wonderful perspective on abled/disabled young adults and their relationships

[mindymktg · 8/10 · 17 November 2015]

I saw this film at the closing night of the Long Island Gay & Lesbian Film Festival on November 16, 2015. For a good portion of the movie, I had no idea what the title had to do with the film or why it was selected for this festival. I should have known that there was much to be learned during the second half of the film.

The acting is nothing less than superb. Only after I read the review on Variety.com, did I learn that the lead actress, Kalki Koechlin, is much more than a performer. She truly inhabited the role of Laila. Every mannerism, every bit of emotion was so authentic that I thought this was a true story about Kalki, herself. The relationships throughout the film are well-defined, from the father who initially seems stubborn and a bit detached to the beautiful (inside and out) mother to the very modern younger brother to the boys who either love or break Kalki's heart. And then there is Sayani Gupta as Khanum, who becomes Laila's soul mate. There are many charming moments; funny scenes; and plenty of opportunity for a good cry. In the end, Laila learns to love herself. she is not just a brave young woman, she is a delight. And you won't want to miss the steady stream of fabulous hanging earrings - pretty much a new pair are worn in every scene. They seem to represent Laila's emergence as she finds her true self.

A Journey of love and emancipation.

[roy_ayan2008 · 8/10 · 25 April 2015]

Journey of Laila, a girl with Cerebral Palsy trough obstacles in life, through different phases of love, different orientation of sexuality and music that encircles her life like a bunch of flower.Beautifully written and treated with tenderness, this film can give you the feeling of emancipation , an hour without the target pressure , maybe something more. Amazing performances by Kalki Koechin,Sayani Gupta , Revathy which actually keep the pace of the film , or maybe the binding energy of it. Music is brilliantly placed with enchanting background scores,its a perfect 'voyage' to some unknown destination, which you will definitely discover after the film.The most important part of this film is the ending of it,which is so beautifully taken.The simplicity of this movie makes it a lovable one. This is not an entertainment masala movie of bollywood, this connects to a bigger set of audience. Its a must watch film for all the film lovers.

p.s.- Some people are saying that this movie is a slow pace and lagging most of the time .I must reply to them that all great arts in this earth are slow,tender and are told in a murmuring tone.

Have a margarita with a straw. It feels great.

Pace is very slow

[dineshprakash · 2/10 · 17 April 2015]

The thought behind this movie is very interesting that physical limitations can't limit your mind but it's also true that if your limb gets broken then you have to realize it and then you have to cross this obstacle by smart thinking. This movie tells about a person, who has physical limitations but not ready to accept it. Doing everything, wanting everything, without thinking about the possibilities of getting it or not. I couldn't understand the logic behind the title even. The love track with a blind girl is too filmy when I was expecting some realistic and smart way to get inside mind of such type of person. Emotional quotient in this film is very shallow. I only felt emotional bonding between mother and daughter but can't get that much emotion with the central character's life. She is very good in music but movie roams around other tracks without showing that she can do wonder in music and thus challenging her physical limitations. Performance wise Kalki Koechlin impresses with her performance. Sayani Gupta as Khanum is very good. Revathi as Mother is fantastic.

Sex Neutrality

[pinkas-64927 · 9/10 · 26 April 2015]

This story is not about how a girl with palsy faces different situations of life ,we may find some parts relating to that ..but the main plot is all about the significance of sex in life..and the good thing is every character reacts very well to this taboo kind of thing...yes sex is taboo in India ...you agree or not..direction is inexplicably well...and in acting you see a line a boundary which will soon transcend the old fashioned Indian cinema...the mother in this movie whom you might find very understanding creates an atmosphere of learning for all those who have gone through this situation...Change always create some disturbance ..tolerance and patience is must required.

All of life's issues

[rkeswani · 9/10 · 13 December 2016]

This movie is a mind-boggling mix of all of life's problems thrown into two hours. Spoilers ahead. One witnesses cerebral palsy, sexual repression, lack of infrastructure for the differently-abled in India, some cultural insensitivity to differently-abled in India, lack of understanding of homosexuality in conservative societies, India vs Pakistan (perhaps Bangladesh), Racism against colored people in USA, being physically blind and finally, if that was not enough, death due to cancer. But the movie did not make me wailing-sad, it made me understated-sad and I walk away in total admiration for Kalki and Shonali.

Heart Touching

[mefm · 8/10 · 1 September 2016]

A beautiful movie. when the whole world goes out for several campaigns to support people who are bisexual, homosexual, this movie speaks out beautiful about just being who you are and to be happy just the way you are. The mother-daughter relationship shown in this movie touched my heart. This movie can be a great source of inspiration for many who struggles every day to accept who they are.

When Laila finally overcomes her loneliness and realizes that she is happy with herself and accepts who she is, her emotions have been captured wonderfully. The songs are beautiful, lyrics once again touches my heart.

What is the term for next level of Brilliance?

[prashantwaiker-12556 · 10/10 · 9 January 2017]

A truly brave and brilliant story to explore and overcome different situation of life especially when the world does not consider as 'normal'. The plot of movie revolves around an Indian girl with cerebral palsy comes to US for her studies and tries to find way to lead her life. She met many people there and finally meet a Pakistani blind girl and they decide to become complementary to each other. Apart from this, the role played by mother is indeed powerful and necessary in movie which always gives power to her daughter and support her in every step of her life. Movie breaks a taboo about homosexuality practices and how the other people thinks about it. Movie depicts two scenario- one in India and other in US. It shows how situation acts differently on a mind of self- fighting disabled person who strives for a normal life. Most importantly it shows how homosexuality can be actually be helpful to overcome repression and frustration for those people who are neglected by society and other 'normal' people. It is Hippocratic that we just think and debate over the thing that homosexuality should be allowed or not (especially in India) but we don't think about the alternatives for the people who are actually suffering from this. This reminds me of the movie- "Memories in March" (www.imdb.com/title/tt1895476), which is another powerful movie focusing on the delicate relationship between two people that is considered as unusual in society. I recommend to watch that movie too if you like this one. A beautifully written movie with powerful story line and brilliant cast (Kalki, No one can do this better than you!!) which make us think about the difficulty of lives and delicate emotions of a significant part of population. Overall, It is one of those movies which can be placed in the category beyond 'excellent'.

Don't get fooled by the title

[couch-potato-never-lies · 2/10 · 28 June 2017]

This movie has nothing to offer other than about the selfishness of a disabled woman and how she treats other people like garbage. It cannot be compared with the movies like Barfi or taare zameen par. At most of the places, the movie was travelling like a confused child and ends like that too.