Moving docu drama

Inspired by the real-life story of cerebral palsy victim Malini Chib ‘Margarita, With A Straw’ is a deeply moving docu-drama that enters the psyche of Laila (Kalki Koechlin) and resides within you for all of two hours.

It is an electrifying experience and also an inner journey into the soul of that woman who is normal in the mind and her feelings of sex. She doesn’t feel shy to ask for a vibrator or speak to her female friend Khanu (Sayani Gupta) about her sexual experience with a fellow worker.

These sexual parleys may surprise her mother (Revathi) but are meat and drink for the confused adolescent. Her dad (Kiljit Gupta) keeps his distance from these issues but is ever understanding of her plight. That Khanu, whom she meets in New York, decides to move to India only shows the Indian way of life.

Director-script writer Shonali Bose has created a rare gem covering the various facets of her life and her interaction with a plethora of characters. As an excuse to visit the loo she almost seduces the male into submission. Then her mother takes ill - another trauma.From a spattering of words Laila grows in confidence and is emotionally connected with Khanu in a fulfilling relationship but she has a secret to share.

Kalki Koechlin is just impeccable in the lead role and at no time does one even imagine that she is playing a part. She is ably supported by Sayani Gupta and Revathi as her caring mother.Incidentally, the title refers to her choice of a drink and it also is part of the most exuberant moments of the movie. All in all, an excellent real life experience. Need one say more!

Movie Name : Margarita with a Straw

Cast : Kalki Koechlin, Revathi, Sayani Gupta & Kiljit Gupta

Direction : Shonali Bose

Genre : Drama

Likes : The lead performances

Dislikes : None

By Ervell E Menezes