A Bold Take on Surrogacy in Indian Society
Introduction
Badnaam Gali is a Hindi-language comedy-drama released in 2019 and is one of the many ZEE5 Originals. It was directed by Ashwin Shetty. The film stars Patralekhaa Paul and Divyendu Sharma in leading roles, and they contend with social issues like surrogacy in a light-hearted manner.
The film was released on May 10, 2019, to honor Mother’s Day. It aims to defy social traditions within Indian culture while also celebrating the tenacity of women who take the difficult step of becoming surrogates. The film’s engaging story line, witty remarks and sharp social commentary allows the CGI generated images to still capture a gravely misunderstood topic while managing to entertain the audience.
Plot Summary
The story is set in a colorful neighborhood in Delhi. It follows Nayonika (Portrayed by Patralekhaa Paul), a headstrong independent woman who has made the decision to become a surrogate mother. Matey and Khalid, her antagonistic and malicious step-brothers, do not agree with her decision, along with other local residents who begin to gossip and smear her name. The notorious lane ‘badnaam gali’ turns out to be a reflection of society’s vicious view towards an unbound choice.
The story touches on the Randeep Singh Sodhi character, who is portrayed by Divyendu Sharma. Sodhi’s character revolves around a younger man hailing from Punjab, who moves into the neighborhood and possesses a unique set of conservative beliefs. Just like the rest of his neighbors, Nayonika’s situation deeply interests Randeep as well, even though he has his own set of assumptions.
Greatly enjoying the development of Randeep and Nayonika’s friendship, I found myself appreciating all the emotional themes that were present within the film. It depicts the essence of personal choice, freedom, societal pressures, and how they intricately intersect. Over time, we witness Randeep slowly learning the importance of acceptance, empathy, and respect.
Underneath the superficial Indain society, where people seem to be condemning in the first, but far too understanding in the second, the film touches on worthy societal critiques.
Randeep Singh Sodhi alongside Patralekhaa What Nayanika portrays.
It is quite evident that Nayonika, who is also referred to as “Nayan”, is an incredibly independent woman who is not afraid to make bold life choices, such as willingly becoming a surrogate mother. In doing so, she defies societal norms and in return emerges as a modern Indian woman icon, which reinforces her self-confidence and boldness.
With admiration and utmost respect, I dot express my feelings for Divyendu Sharma, who plays Randeep Singh Sodhi. He is a man of small-town values, eventually relocating to Delhi for work. Similar to how a significant number of people think, his ideas and customs are quite conservative in nature. As the story unfolds, the audience is able to perceive how his awe towards Nayonika’s way of living through her lifestyle shifts his attitude towards her, and how he ultimately comes to appreciate her reasons for becoming a surrogate.
Dolly Ahluwalia as Buaji:
Randeep’s aunt serves as the nosey and comedic participant of the film who serves as an elder figure in various close-knit family structures. Her character adds social commentary while providing humor to the film.
Paritosh Sand as Randeep’s Father:
Randeep’s father characterizes the traditional patriarch, highlighting the generation gap in terms of understanding concepts like surrogacy.
Key Themes and Symbolism
- Surrogacy And Its Associated Societal Stigmas
Surrogacy, an extremely common healthcare practice in contemporary societies, is viewed negatively in several parts of Indian culture like other procedures of reproductive technologies. The film disputes the assumption that the altruistic surrogacy of a woman is a morally undesirable act.
- Female Empowerment and Independence
Nayonika’s character serves as a symbol of feminism. She does not hesitate in defying her community qualms and stands tall in exercising her autonomy and bodily integrity.
- Rural Conservatism and Urban Liberalism
Randiip embodies traditional Indian culture whereas Nayonika embodies modernity. Their perspectives and how they eventually come to terms with one another illustrates how understanding and exposure eliminates bias.
- Societal Hypocrisy:
The film challenges society’s approach to rationality which almost always seems to blame, rather than understand, a woman’s choice to gossip instead of sympathize and offer her aid.
- Growth on a Personal Level
Randeep changing through the film also illustrates how empathy has the potential to help people in deeper ways.
Cinematic Style and Direction
- Direction and Screenplay
Ashwin Shetty expertly incorporates comedy and sensitive social themes together, which has allowed him to craft a film that is both enjoyable and has depth. With this approach, the screenplay invites both laughter, as well as tears, and still makes sense to the audience.
- Visual Aesthetics
The movie vividly represents life in a particular a Delhi colony with its surrounding tightly packed neighborhoods, narrow lanes, and local parks that capture all the joy and gossiping of a small town infused into a city.
- Music and Soundtrack
The film’s music consists of both cheerful and morose tunes that fit the changing moods of the story. The background score also offers support to the laughter and sorrow in the narrative without becoming too intrusive.
Critical Reception
Positive Reviews:
✔️ Performances:
Everyone seemed to love the cast, Patralekhaa and Divyendu Sharma, because they exemplified true bonding amongst them with deep, passionate acting.
✔️ Social Relevance:
Controversial as it may be, Indian cinema has long dealt with the topic of surrogacy by merely glossing over it. It is appreciated that the film takes a more accepting approach toward the subject.
✔ Humor and Heart:
Critics acknowledged the film’s comedic elements combined with irony as a strong suit for the picture and appreciated that the message hit the right notes without sounding patronizing.
Criticisms:
❌ Simplistic Resolution:
A section of the audience believed that some portions of societal transformation as well as acceptance were too simplistic in their portrayal.
❌ Predictable Plot:
The same set of reviewers also remarked that the film is too linear in its storytelling and does not offer anything new in terms of the Indian social drama genre.
Box Office and Streaming Performance
The film is an original ZEE5 production and marked the first time the platform bypassed a theatrical release. It became popular on the platform and particularly during the days leading up to Mother’s Day in 2019. This marketing strategy increased its popularity even more after it was noted how well the film did in terms of digital viewership. It illustrated the OTT’s ability to successfully market socially focused films in an economically profitable way.
Awards and Recognition
🏆 ZEE5 Viewer’s Choice Awards – Best Social Comedy
🏆 Patralekhaa Paul – Best Comedy Actress (Nominee)
🏆 Divyendu Sharma – Best Comedy Actor (Nominee)
Conclusion
Badnaam Gali is not merely a light-hearted comedic film, but a thought-provoking piece of cinema that tackles stereotypes while ensuring that it is fun and heartwarming at the same time. The way it deals with the subject of surrogacy by using comedy as a tool for empathy enables it to bring down walls around a much “misunderstood” issue.