Ask women in India about their lives and dreams and fears and one will realize that all of them are very angry…about something or the other. Many films have been made on them but still a lot is left to be desired. Angry Indian Goddesses not only talks about these issues in a very entertaining manner, but also turns out to be maybe Bollywood’s first ‘women buddy’ film. And it has been made so beautifully that these goddesses are sure to win your heart!

The story of the movie: Frieda D’Silva (Sarah Jane Dias) is a photographer who stays in Goa. She invites her friends – singer Madhurita aka Mad (Anushka Manchanda), top corporate employee Suranjana aka Su (Sandhya Mridul), Delhi-based housewife Pamela Jaiswal aka Pam (Pavleen Gujral) and activist Nargis Nasreen (Tannishtha Chatterjee) to her place to celebrate an important occasion. They are joined by Frieda’s cousin Joanna aka Jo (Amrit Maghera) and the maid Lakshmi (Rajshri Deshpande). What starts off as a simple break form their lives turns into much more and provides them not only loads of happiness but also some tragic, sad and exhilarating moments.

Angry Indian Goddesses begins on a high note which is bound to be loved by all. It might look like a niche film but honestly, it’s not! It’s as commercial and as massy as it can get. Each character is well sketched and thought of and the interactions that each of them has are funny and quite touching. Few scenes might seem unnecessary at first but later, one realizes their relevance. In fact, this is a great part of the film – everything falls into place very nicely. Few scenes where the ladies talk about rapes and regressive laws might seem a little preachy and out of place but then, isn’t how we also talk when with friends? The second half of the film has some great moments. The dumb charades one is just awesome! The film goes on another level in the last 20 minutes. The tension is brilliantly created and keeps viewers gripped onto their seats. The final scene is applaud-worthy.



Angry Indian Goddesses is laced with some terrific and memorable performances. Sarah Jane Dias gets a great chance to prove her worth as an actress with this film. She is a natural and after Angry Indian Goddesses, here’s hoping that she gets floored with offers. Anushka Manchanda, a singer in real life as well, plays her part with great conviction. In a few scenes, she totally dominates the show. Sandhya Mridul is great in her fiery role. But she balances it well by exceling in the emotional moments as well. Pavleen Gujral is adorable and in her breakdown scene, one likes her even more. Tannishtha Chatterjee has a late entry but once she enters the narrative, she brings a lot to the film. Amrit Maghera is lovely. She gets to play a wonderful character and she does total justice to it. Rajshri Deshpande is a talent to watch out for. Her sunglasses are sure to become a rage! Arjun Mathur (Zain) and Anuj Choudhry (neighbor) look quite dashing. Adil Hussain (cop) handles his part well.

Cyril Morin’s music is quite nice. ‘Zindagi’ leaves a mark. But the best song of the film is Kattey (Ram Sampath; from Coke Studio). It is quite exhilarating! Swapnil Sonawane’s cinematography is raw but each shot has been filmed very nicely. Aradhana Seth’s production design is funky and goes well with the mood of the film. Pan Nalin, Subhadra Mahajan, Dilip Shankar, Arsala Qureishi’s story is promising. Dialogues are witty, funny and straight out of life. Screenplay is very effective. Pan Nalin’s direction is simply outstanding. There was a high chance that he could have gone wrong but he just gets it right. There are a lot of themes in the film and without being preachy, Pan tells a lot. And most importantly, he entertains while talking about the issues! But the best part is he keeps the viewers hooked from start to finish. Even the thriller element towards the end comes out nicely. Hats off to Pan and hope he makes many such great films!

Some of the best scenes:
1. The first scene
2. The girls assemble at Frieda’s house
3. Suranjana sees Nargis at Frieda’s house
4. The girls get harassed on the road
5. The girls discuss about harassment and also oral sex
6. The gun and temple scene
7. Joanna talks to Lakshmi near the beach
8. The dumb charades scene (SUPERB!!)
9. Pamela breaks down
10.The last 20 minutes

On the whole, Angry Indian Goddesses is one of those must watch films that has to been in theatres, come what may! Performances are terrific and the themes and issues taken up in the film are bound to strike a chord with audiences, males as well females. However, it is neither a boring, preachy film nor is it a ‘niche’ movie. It is highly entertaining (even thrilling) and is as massy as it can get! At the box office, it clashes with Tamasha (on November 27) and viewers should definitely try to find time to see it. And if all goes well, Angry Indian Goddesses can be the next Talvar! Highly recommended!

My rating - **** ½ out of 5!