New Delhi: Director Mikhil Musale, known for his National Award-winning film, ventures into his second directorial project with “Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video.” This film explores a sensitive storyline that addresses issues like slut-shaming, the superficial activism of “kitty parties,” and the imbalanced interpretations of feminism prevalent in the era of social media. It sheds light on how women who yearn to break free from judgment often become reduced to mere attention-seekers seeking validation. “Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video” was released in theaters on October 27th.
Plot
“Sajini Shinde” (played by Radhika Madan) is a respected teacher at a well-known school. Due to a mistake, an “inappropriate” video of Sajini from a night club in Singapore is accidentally uploaded to the school’s webpage along with other photos. As a result, Sajini and other teachers involved are immediately expelled. The following day, a suicide note written by Sajini appears on her social media, blaming her father, fiancé, and the school principal (Bhagyashree) for her decision. Sajini’s current location remains unknown, prompting an investigation led by Bela (Nimrat Kaur) to uncover the truth behind Sajini’s disappearance and determine who is truly responsible.
Highlights
“Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video” is a captivating and thought-provoking film. It has a well-paced narrative and can be described as a skillfully crafted social drama that encourages introspection. Through the investigation, the audience gets a glimpse into the protagonist’s inner struggles as she strives to fulfill the expectations of being a dutiful daughter, fiancée, and school teacher. The characters in the film are beautifully portrayed, and the way Sajini’s disappearance acts as a catalyst for uncovering societal issues is truly remarkable. The suspense is effectively maintained, and the dialogues are strong and impactful. Additionally, the inclusion of talented Marathi actors adds an interesting dynamic to “Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video”.
The climax of the film is satisfying, and although there are a few moments in the second half that may not hold your attention completely, overall, the film successfully keeps you engaged. Director Mikhil wastes no time in diving straight into the heart of the story from the very beginning. With a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes, “Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video” provides a fresh and fast-paced thrilling experience.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its casting. The decision to involve local actors and performers from the theatre industry pays off, as the incredible cast truly enhances the storytelling.
Performance
Nimrat Kaur shines as the investigative officer Bela. Her screen presence is electrifying, and she delivers impactful dialogues with strength. Her portrayal of Bela deserves applause, bringing nuance and stillness to her well-written character. She portrays a badass nature and her comic timing is spot on.
However, Radhika Madan’s performance as the titular character feels underwhelming. Despite putting in effort, she doesn’t quite hit the right emotional notes. Although her character Sajini goes through tough and painful experiences, she doesn’t evoke much emotion. The final scene, although well-written, lacks intensity in her portrayal.
Bhagyashree, in the role of principal Kalyani Pandit, delivers her career-best performance. This role allows her to showcase her talent, and she excels in every frame. She embodies a manipulative and conniving character with brilliance. This performance marks a new chapter for her.
Soham Majumdar, portraying Sajini’s unlikeable and misogynistic fiancé Siddhant Kadam, is a revelation. He portrays his role perfectly and leaves a lasting impression. Subodh Bhave, an accomplished Marathi actor playing Sajini’s father, delivers a commendable performance. Most of the male characters in the film, except for Sumeet Vyas who is charming but has a limited role, represent the conditioned and obnoxious behavior of a sexist society. However, the writing humanizes them rather than painting them as complete antagonists.
Loopholes
“Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video” does have some logical inconsistencies. It heavily relies on coincidences and unexpected events. The film may be marketed as a social thriller, but its main strength doesn’t lie in providing thrills. Those seeking excitement may be slightly disappointed. However, the film works well as a social satire, thanks to the credible performances. Although certain parts may feel clichéd, there are surprising moments in the story that catch you off guard, which is where its true strength lies.
Final Verdict
“Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video” is a well-made social satire that impresses and engages audiences, but it may not necessarily provide thrills. The film stands out by balancing between predictability and unpredictability. It is recommended for its strong performances, clever writing, and smooth storytelling. The movie not only offers entertainment but also raises important questions about modern feminism and empowerment, topics extensively discussed by the social media generation. It encapsulates the idea that sometimes, even living itself requires courage, and “Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video” embodies this courage in various ways.