Media Magick

They say “Only a woman can describe a woman; her emotions, her brusqueness and rebelliousness that are buried deep within her”. Tribhanga is written and directed by Renuka Shahane, (the famous bhabi from Hum Aapke Hain Koun). Tribhanga is Renuka Shahane’s 2^nd film as a writer/director; Rita was her first that was released in 2009. From the trailer of Tribhanga, it was obvious that the film will be all about womanhood. With a stellar cast like Tanvi Azmi, Kajol and young talent Mithila Palkar, the film has the right ingredients to be an intense family drama. Tanvi Azmi and Kajol have already worked in Dushman and their chemistry was phenomenal in that. Let’s see if Tribhanga can create magic for its viewers and the Netflix generation.

Trailer – Tribhanga

Tribhanga is the kind of a body-positioning, used in Indian classical dance form (Odissi). The story of Tribhanga revolves around three women, Naintara, Anuradha and Masha. Every character has multiple layers, just like an onion. Each layer offers a distinctive and unique intensity. The characters of these 3 women are very intelligently written and they completely react inversely in a similar situation. That’s the hidden beauty of Tribhanga that lies in the characterizations. Renuka Shahane’s depiction of all three women in the film deserves a standing ovation. There are times when the audience might feel why one character swears to an extent that it looks burdening and unneeded. But, as the story progresses that trait is justified without providing any justification in the narrative. And yes, there are such people around us, (women too) who are like that in real lives.

Naintara (Tanvi Azmi) is a character that must remind viewers of many women that they have met in their lives. It’s a very well-written role and performed with sheer dignity and command over emotions by Tanvi Azmi. She is so fluent in her depiction, whether they are light-hearted scenes, simple smiles or high voltage drama where she just had to stand still – she excels in every scene. Her character might remind of Shakuntala Devi’s character but this one has some new angles and they make it more interesting.

Anuradha (Kajol), the Tribhanga of the story, is a strong headed rebel who has turned her insecurities and fears in to her strength. The character is written with utmost focus; from the blink of an eye to the slangs she utter – everything is realistic. Kajol, as an actor, has performed such characters in the past and her fans have loved her in that avatar. The flamboyance that she depicted in Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi mixed with liveliness that she portrayed in Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Ghum; she brings back all those memories with great maturity in her act.

Masha (Mithali Palkar), a confident, somewhat suppressed but gratified with what she has, is a very well-observed and thoughtful character. Mithali performs this complicated character with ease and in a few scenes she makes her audience cry so effortlessly.

Besides giving women lead roles, Renuka Shahane also gives significant roles to male characters. Milan (Kunal Roy Kapur), Raghav (Manav Gohil), Robindro (Vaibhav Tatwawaadi) and Raina (Kanwaljeet Singh) are all the kind of men who are not for a single-second belittled in a women-centric drama. As a director, Renuka brings out sensible and decent performances by every actor. It’s good to watch Kunal Roy Kapur in a restrained character performing as per the demand of the role. Kanwaljeet Singh’s character gets the minimal screen time but he is a thorough delight to watch.

There are many scenes that are very emotional and they melt the audience warmly. The script and the screenplay are super effective. As a director, Shahane captures some moments that don’t offer dialogues but are very expressive. Tribhanga is a masterstroke that is loaded with great content, brilliant performances, and a meaningful message. A tale of 3 women; their choices, their empowerment and their definition of being happy and successful – that’s what Tribhanga is. It is a film that must be watched by the entire family.