Being girls, and how emotions unfurl

‘Girls Will Be Girls’ is a story of many firsts — the first touch, kiss, boyfriend, and a ‘girl’ being in a position of power. The first feature film by Shuchi Talati, who is also the writer of this coming-of-age story, it is also the first film for its lead actor Preeti Panigrahi, and Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s first production.

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Just like the title, a cheeky reversal of ‘Boys Will Be Boys’, the film says the story from a woman’s perspective. It follows Mira (Preeti), an ace student, adherer of rules; she is also the first female head prefect of her school. A teenager, studies are on her mind, as is the discovery of self. In Srinivas (Kesav Binoy Kiron), an international student, mature beyond his years, she finds a worthy companion to explore ‘love’. Things take a tricky terrain as Mira’s mother Anila (Kani Kusruti) also vies for Sri’s attention.

The film builds the school atmosphere of the ’90s, and how! Skirt to the knees, long socks, and not talking to boys — the rules are for the girls because ‘boys will be boys’. But can one really stop the ‘girls’ from growing up? Not just realising the physical and emotional changes that come at adolescence, but also their precarious place in a patriarchal world.

‘Girls Will Be Girls’ touches many important themes. Most significant are how the girls today are independent, and capable, but somehow society is not yet ready to accept them as persons beyond their gender.

The film builds tension from the word go. Mira leading the pledge at the school ground nestled among the hills; taking the responsibility of locking the terrace post the astronomy club meet; and as she is chased by a group of rowdy boys on Teachers’ Day. This young girl is just doing what any girl at her age wants — to explore, but since she is a girl, it comes at a ‘cost’.

Casting by veteran casting director Dilip Shankar has been a core strength of this film, that won two awards at its premiere at Sundance Film Festival. It got the World Cinema Dramatic (Audience) Award and World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting for Preeti Panigrahi. In Preeti, one finds a confident actor, who essays the self-assurance of being a girl in control. Her confident gait as the head prefect, skipping back to the hostel post the first peck to kissing on her hand in the privacy of the bathroom, she is raw and real.

Kesav Binoy Kiron becomes that ‘boy’ who keeps the girls guessing — he loves me, he loves me not. Confident and caring, Kesav manages to keep the right amount of intrigue as he navigates the mother and daughter’s attention.

Kani Kusruti shined in ‘All We Imagine As Light’ earlier this year. As Anila, the mother walking the middle path of a parent and a friend, she portrays the ‘desire’ in heart-aching beauty — to be noticed now, since she couldn’t back in her time.

Devika Shahani as Ms Bansal/Bansi becomes one teacher we have all had. Kajol Chugh as Priya portrays that girl teachers and parents ask one to be away from, because ‘she talks to boys’ with style.

The film portrays intimate moments with utmost honesty. And Shuchi employs not just an all-women crew, but also technical finesse with cinematographer Jih-E Peng to give that close insight to the viewers. Music by Pierre Oberkampf and Sneha Khanwalkar heightens the emotion rather than becoming the mainstay. One is constantly on the edge guessing where this mother-daughter story is leading to. When it finally happens, it’s ever so brief!

Everyone has a ‘key’. Shuchi Talati uses her deeply personal key to teen turmoil where infatuation and love jumble.

The film stays with you long after you have watched it and brings that strange ache of growing up in her characters Mira and Anila, and women everywhere.