Gandhari, which has released today on Netflix, is the story of a woman who loses her daughter (to a kidnapping gang) and her eyesight on the same day. How she takes matters into her own hands forms the crux of the tale. The film is just 116 minutes long and moves at a fast pace. The blindness track is unexpected and unlike anything seen in any other film. The film is set in a mysterious town where a certain Bahrupi community resides, and it adds a novel touch. On the flipside, there are too many cinematic liberties. The villain is weak, while a few characters enter the narrative all of a sudden. However, the biggest issue with the film is its climax. The face-off is very unconvincing and arguably even forced. Taapsee Pannu shines in such author-backed, heroic roles and Gandhari is no exception. Ishwak Singh puts up a sincere act but is let down by the writing. Jatin Sarna (Kabir) and Mita Vashisht (Jhunu Amba) perform ably while Chhaya Kadam (Uma) and Chandan Roy (Somesh) deserved more screen time. Prashant Narayanan (Dada) and Swastika Mukherjee (Churni) are fair. Priti Shroff (ASI Sanjukta) is a great find. All in all, Gandhari is an average fare and worth watching for the concept and Taapsee Pannu.
My rating – ** ½ out of 5!