Bollywood and social issues can often be like an oil and water, such is the idea that films offer ‘escape’ from real-world issues. However, there have been many a credible attempts at making films that shine the spotlight on social issues. Rashmi Rocket, the Akarsh Khurana directed film streaming on Zee5, is most certainly one that does an effective job at this.
The film, very loosely based on Dutee Chand, focuses on Rashmi Veera, played by Taapsee Pannu. A prodigiously gifted athlete, she smashes national records and attracts the envy of the daughter of a higher-up in the athletics association.
This leads to an anonymous complain over her being ‘a man’ that eventually leads to her gender being called into question. It is an instantly gripping story at first, given the weight of the subject matter.
However, it is fair to say there are parts where the film could have done better. Let us now delve into what worked for the film – and what didn’t.
Perhaps the best thing about this movie is that it forces the audience to think about so-called ‘gender norms’. In a country like India, that the conversation itself has started is a massive plus.
Indeed, the movie is centered around the idea of what constitutes the “feminine” being. And the film does succeed in making its point.
That Rashmi’s body produces more testosterone than what is considered ‘normal’ should not be grounds for disqualification. All human bodies work in a different manner; a one size fits all approach simply does not work.
However, this is the reality we live in. And it is the reality that Rashmi is forced to go through when she has lost it all due to the ‘gender test’.
Also, in a world where “girl power” has been commercialized, this film is a stark reminder of the battles women still face. In that vein, seeing Rashmi go out and fight the good fight is heartwarming.
You feel like cheering for her to overcome the invisible barriers placed in front of her; not just for herself, but for women everywhere who have been held down by gender norms.
Of course, one of the reasons this works so well is because of Pannu’s heartfelt performance. She worked hard not only on her appearance for this movie but also on getting the nuances of the character.
Her acting does well to tap into the heartbreak felt not just by her character, but women everywhere who have dealt with institutional barriers.
However, Rashmi Rocket film is not without its flaws. Rather than relying on the story, the filmmakers felt compelled to throw in their share of Bollywood masala.
Rashmi’s lawyer, played by Abhishek Banerjee, adds plenty of melodrama to the storyline. It’s so bad that he is called out for it in the courtroom itself – a rare case of self-satire in Bollywood.
But it isn’t just that; the film often deviates from the actual point at hand. Rashmi’s equation with her mother is dramatic and often gets inserted in when least expected. Or wanted or needed within the plotline.
Even the plot of the feud between Rashmi and the father-daughter duo is reductionist. It boils down the movie to a simple good vs evil dynamic and scuttles the complexity of the issues at hand.
There is plenty to be explored in the movie’s main points itself. Which makes the addition of all these plotlines seem at best dramatic and at worst not needed.
As such, the film can sometimes seem like a tug of war. You’re invested in Rashmi fighting the good fight; then you’re dragged down by the filmy plotlines shoehorned into the movie.
The movie also falls into a classic Bollywood trope of not giving supporting characters enough… well, support. Too often, Bollywood films feature side characters solely to prop up the lead. And this is exactly how it felt in this movie too.
Regardless, it is impossible not to be taken in by Pannu’s portrayal of the role – for this alone, the movie is worth a watch.
Rating: 3/5 stars