Women's Day.

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Women's Day 08.03.2014 10:26

So, it’s 8 March and this women's day, I feel an affection-deficit. Already having a very high opinion of myself, I've never needed dates to celebrate myself. I put my needs above others routinely.

But this particular day, I feel incomplete. Several half - hearted Valentines Days compound this feeling.

I judge myself for defining this day by absence of love/flowers/a better half in my life. Ironically, I also wish no one would disturb me today.

Undecided about anything, I go watch a movie. Alone.

Queen. Oh, queen.

I'm nothing like you girl, but I feel you. This movie completely filled my senses. The highs were so high that the lows were completely acceptable.

So here are the highlights of the movie, in my opinion.

1. The family. 
This is what a quintessential middle class Indian (happy) family is like. Unconditional love, standing by without questions. Dance practice and the supportive dadiji.

2. The Bhai
The younger brother who knows everything and stands rock solid besides Rani despite not being a match for her betrayer. Rani adores him, even praises his sad jokes! Specially that scene outside CCD when he gives 'hool' to the fiancé. Also, notice reactions of both Rani and her brother on the rickshaw ride back from CCD, indescribably beautiful.

3. The Boy.
Yes some boys are like this: Exceptional amount of energy in the phase when they have to woo the lady, then a healthy time during courtship, mad possessiveness and superiority complex. Then disinterest, mistreatment, breakup. Finally, begging her to come back. Oh fo, complex boys.

4. Post breakup.
Her parents just let her sleep it off. And the first thing she felt after the disturbed sleep; Hunger. Laddu and bread butter. Love or pain or heartbreak are but secondary feelings- hunger, sleep are primary.

5. The Other Boys.
I'm talking about Ranis firangi friends, except I don't know any firangi boys. But there are some desi boys like this: Equal treatment and unabashed love, without expectation of anything, just the joy of friendship. Yes, we all have some very fun, courteous, non-judgmental, crazy people in our lives. The ones we cherish the most.

6. Vijay laxmi.
Does such a free spirit really exist? If yes, I would like to meet her. The sheer energy of this woman! Her acceptance of the behen ji Rani as her own; No one’s superior, I liked. Notice how she wore Rani's kurta in her final shot! How best-friendy!

7. Roxette.
The Pakistani dancer. The humane depiction of her was heartwarming. The desire of putting family above all else. That's a predominant trait of our subcontinent, isn't it? She works hard and is on Facebook.

8. Possessiveness.
Rani saves her sweater and bag, in two of the best scenes of the movie. And she also quietly bags Vijaylaxmi's bra. That's very Indian, we don't like to give up our things and free things are always welcome.

9. Details.
There is great attention to detail in this one. One scene I truly adored is when at the food fête, Rani's friend played 'London Thumakda' on his guitar. Also French disco is shown playing Bollywood music. (Btw Hungama is so addictive). When Rani and Vijaylaxmi visit her french relatives, uncleji is seen on his massage chair :p And the detailed discussion among the saas bahu ki kitne paise dene chahiye. That really happens okay.

10. Mummy-ness
Any Indian who has lived away from home can relate to Rani's mummy. Like during their video chat auntyji notices Rani isn't wearing a sweater. And what is the question she asks Rani when she is back home, "Ye kurta toh tere paas nahi tha, kab khareeda?" Maa ki aankh, really, they notice everything!

11. The Friend balance. 
No matter how awesome your boyfriend/girlfriend/lover/husband/wife is, friends are most important. And we mostly realise this when the guy/girl is behaving jerk-like. 
Rani leaves Vijay to meet her friends at the rock concert. 
But what when the friends have to go away too? 
She just turns-smiles-jumps about. Because more important than a friends company, is your own company. Thats the perpetual one.

12. The saas that wasn't. 
Back in India, when Rani visits Vijay and encounters his mother, and what she tells Rani. Those were the most terrifying sentences of the movie for me. "Aaah, parlour and kitty party, poore din baatein karenge, picture dekhenge jab baap bete office jaayenge." No. That is not the life any one wants. Parlour, kitty parties and movies as a full time job? Noooooooooo. Narrow escape, Rani!

13. The Confidence. 
The thing to take away from this movie is this. When you love yourself, you become confident. And the world loves a confident, lover of self!

There’s more, I know.. But these are basic crux-y high points, I could quickly rummage J Definitely dekho!

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