Mimi

Mimi- One of the most awaited films for the recent times. With high expectations from the director, the music director and the cast, the movie released this summer and here goes my take on it.

This is the second film as a director for Laxman Utekar, although he had worked as a cinematographer on many films in the past. Surprisingly, the production was able to bag A R Rahman for the movie. Not surprisingly, the entire album was a musical hit. My personal favorite is ParamSundari and Hututu.

Plot and Play

Coming to the main plot of the movie, spolier alert, Mimi, played by Kriti Sanon is a small town girl who aspires to become a Bollywood actress agrees to become a surrogate for an American couple. Pankaj Tripathi plays the role of the mediator/care taker of the whole deal. The story takes a turn when the couple no longer wants the baby because of a false diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Mimi is left with a choice of either aborting the baby or her Bollywood dreams and raising the baby on her own.

Firstly I give a full stars for choosing this subject for Indian cinema. This is the first time that someone has made a commercial movie with the main plot about surrogacy. And kudos to Kriti Sanon for accepting such a role which required major body transformation – the effort shows. Her action reminds us of her role in Bareilly ki Barfi in the first half. Her acting transformation fully shows in the labor scene and the climax. The film also brings to light, the “dhanda”, that happens in Rajasthan, the surrogacy dhanda. I had no idea that such a thing existed, until I actually read about it. Sorority houses with courtyards full of walking pregnant women do exist. And so do the deal makers and American couples on quest.

Glass Half Full, as Netflix calls it

Apart from slight exaggerations for the drama, most of the film is on point and realistic. There were some stereotypes like “Ye firangi log tho aise hi karte hain” or the perfect angel baby stereotype (which is honestly annoying) that could have been avoided. But on a more positive note, Mimi’s parents, played by Surpiya Pathak and Manoj Pahwa, were portrayed as supportive pseudo progressive parents who support by their daughter despite her unconventional deeds. The climax of the movie did drag a little bit until it was a stalemate. It could have gone a different route, with so many characters being childless and truly wanting one.

Pankaj Tripathi deserves an award for his acting, dialogue delivery and perfect comedic timing. But then again, he deserves an award for most of his roles, if not all. Honestly, he was the main reason for me to watch this movie. Sai Tahmankar, in her role as Mimi’s bestfriend Shama, came a surprise in her natural acting style. Overall, I would give it a 3.5/5, but it’s definitely a one time watch.

Go check out Mimi on Netflix if you haven’t already. You can get more movie suggestions here.

Happy Watching!