Saand Ki Aankh
Ratings: 3.5/5
Duration: 2 hrs 10 mins
Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Genre: Drama
Release Date: 25.10.2019 (India)
Star Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Prakash Jha, Vineet Kumar Singh, Nikhat Khan, Shaad Randhawa
Plot: Inspired by the real-life sharpshooters, the film chronicles the lives of Chandro Tomar (Shooter Dadi) and her sister-in-law Prakashi Tomar (Revolver Dadi) against the backdrop of Uttar Pradesh that leaves us with an inspiring message.
At the age of 60, these two senior citizens, with their big family, accidentally discover that they have a flair for shooting. With some help from doctor-turned-shooting instructor Dr. Yashpal (Vineet Singh), who sets up a shooting range in the village, they participate in various competitions and win medals.
While they are busy honing their skills, the men in their house are not aware to the new happenings in the lives of these ladies. However, a twist in the tale leads them to bring a stop to the hide-and-seek and face the men in the clan head-on.
Review: The two leading ladies carry the film on their shoulders effortlessly. Whether it's sipping on many glasses of champagne or standing up when they are bullied by a bunch of teenagers, the two walk the road together and prove to be equally competent. At a few places, Taapsee steals an edge over Bhumi, but the latter quickly makes up for it.
Filmmaker Prakash Jha, who turns antagonist here, does a good job. While there is no doubt that this is an inspirational tale, it meanders a bit too long in the first half of the film, before finding stable ground. A tighter edit would have made it far more gripping to watch. And it’s the poor prosthetic make-up that ends up distracting you. The silver streaks in the leading ladies’ hair and patchy make-up is an eyesore. It’s to Bhumi and Taapsee’s credit that they overcome this hurdle and get you to look beyond it.
However, Saand Ki Aankh is a pleasant family watch for the Diwali weekend. It is an emotional roller-coaster ride that is inspiring, and at the same time disturbing, as it compels to think about the pathetic condition of women in our free and modern India. The film drives home the point of women empowerment, celebrates the bonhomie among women wholeheartedly, and attempts at every point to hit the bull’s eye.
