Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui breaks the mould and sensitively handles the relationship between a man and a trans woman. Vaani Kapoor steals the show with her performance.
Name: Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui
Director: Abhishek Kapoor
Rating: 4
Homosexuality has garnered interests of several filmmakers but never has anyone attempted to make a film involving a trans woman and a man. Oh Boy! Director Abhishek Kapoor has handled this subject with such sensitivity, giving an overall picture of life of transgenders and the stigmas they face in the society.
But don’t just think of this film as a love, laughter and happily ever after kind of a rom-com. The film gives a glimpse of stigmas, biases and criticism that transgenders face for their sexuality in real life.
The film starts with a very hulky Punjab ka gabru Manvinder aka Manu Munjal (played by Ayushman Khurana) flexing his muscles in his gym. Manu, a body builder, lives on Keto diet and has two aims in his life - to earn more business for his gym and win the GOAT (Gabru of All Times) Championship in Chandigarh. To earn more business, Maanvi Brar (Vaani Kapoor) gets hired in his gym as a zumba instructor. They instantly get each other's attention and fall in love. But Maanvi has a secret to share and when Manu learns about her past, he accuses and shames her.
Abhishek Kapoor has shown society’s judgements and biases, sharing a slice of reality that transgenders face in their everyday lives. Vaani Kapoor has nailed those scenes with finesse. There is not a single moment in the film where the film loses its track. The minutest details about transgenders undergoing sex transformation surgery has been handled respectfully. In terms of the screen play and editing, the film has done a brilliant job that is why it is only 2 hour and 1 minute long.
Ayushman Khurana has once again nailed his performance. He adds pun and intellect in the film. But it’s Vaani Kapoor who has outshined everyone. She has delved into her character with utmost sincerity. In terms of supporting cast, Tanya Abrol and Sawan Rupowali have done a brilliant job as Manu’s sisters who act like society’s nosy aunties. Kawaljit Singh is looking adorable as Maanvi’s supportive father.
The first half is better than the second half. Towards the end, the film becomes predictable. However, there are more hits than misses in this film. Do watch it for its story, screenplay, Vaani Kapoor and the film’s peppy numbers.