“Girls Will Be Girls” is a 2024 Indian coming-of-age film directed by Shuchi Talati. The film explores teenage emotions, mother-daughter relationships, and societal expectations in a conservative setting. Produced by Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, it received international recognition for its fresh storytelling and realistic portrayal of young women in India.
Cast of Girls Will Be Girls
- Preeti Panigrahi as Mira (the protagonist, a 16-year-old student)
- Kesav Binoy Kiron as Sri (Mira’s love interest)
- Kani Kusruti as Anila (Mira’s mother)
- Jitin Gulati as Harish
The film introduced Preeti Panigrahi in her debut role, and her performance was widely appreciated.
Storyline
Set in a boarding school in the Himalayan foothills, the story follows Mira, a bright and disciplined 16-year-old girl. She is appointed as the first female head prefect of her school, which makes her mother, Anila, proud. However, when Sri, a confident new student, arrives, Mira experiences emotions she has never explored before.
As Mira navigates first love, attraction, and rebellion, her mother becomes overly controlling. Anila, who has her own history of repressed desires, finds herself trying to dictate Mira’s choices. This leads to conflicts between the two, as Mira fights for independence while her mother struggles to let go.
The film presents a realistic and raw take on growing up in a society where young girls are constantly told what to do.
Where to Watch Girls will be Girls?
Girls Will Be Girls premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2024 and later had limited theatrical screenings. It was then made available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in December 2024. It is also there on Youtube for free, hindi dubbed.
Success of the Film
The movie gained international recognition after its Sundance premiere, where it won the Audience Award (World Cinema Dramatic) and a Special Jury Award for Acting for Preeti Panigrahi. The film was also screened at Berlin International Film Festival and other global festivals.
Despite being low-budget, it stood out due to its bold storytelling and authentic performances. It was co-produced by India, France, and the Netherlands, further strengthening its global appeal.
The Female Dominance in the Movie
One of the most significant aspects of the movie is the female-led team. Director Shuchi Talati ensured that the crew had women in key roles, including cinematography, editing, and production. This was done to create an atmosphere where the story could be told from a genuine female perspective.
The film does not follow typical Bollywood storytelling. It challenges patriarchal norms, gives depth to female characters, and focuses on real teenage experiences rather than romanticized versions of them.
IMDb Rating and Audience Reviews
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 (based on early reviews)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85% (Critics)
- Audience Reactions: Mostly positive, praising its realism, performances, and sensitive storytelling
Many viewers called it a refreshing take on Indian coming-of-age films. However, some found its themes too bold for traditional Indian cinema.
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