Natkhat Movie Review: A Short Film with Big Answers

Star Cast: Vidya Balan (Sonu's Mother), Sanika Patel (Sonu), Raj Arjun (Sonu's father), Atul Tiwari (Sonu's Grandfather), Sparsh Srivastava (Sonu's Uncle), Samarth Mahor, Anuraj Patel.

Director: Shaan Vyas.

Producer: Ronnie Screwvala, Vidya Balan.

Natkhat Movie Review

Vidya Balan starrer Natkhat is a 32-minute short film that powerfully addresses our society's deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset. Despite its short runtime, the film makes a lasting impact, shedding light on gender biases and toxic masculinity from a fresh perspective. It is a compelling narrative that forces viewers to reflect on the values we unknowingly instil in children.

Let's dive into Natkhat movie review.

Natkhat Movie Plot Overview

The story is set in a small town, where a 7-year-old boy, Sonu (played by debutante child actor Sanika Patel), is introduced as an innocent child who enjoys playing cricket. However, as the film progresses, we witness how his perception of gender roles is already shaped by his surroundings. One pivotal moment in the film occurs when Sonu overhears a group of teenage boys discussing the idea of kidnapping a girl who refuses to comply with their demands. Unaware of the gravity of the conversation, Sonu absorbs it as 'normal' behaviour, reinforcing the dangerous conditioning prevalent in society.

In one disturbing scene, Sonu, while having dinner with his grandfather, father, and uncle, casually suggests abducting a girl if she does not listen to them. He even recounts an incident from school where a girl was picked up after she slapped his friend. His words, "Jab bhi koi ladki tang karein naa, use uthaakar jungle le jao. Dobaara kabhi tang nahin karegi." (Whenever a girl bothers you, pick her up and take her to the jungle. She will never bother you again.), leave a chilling impact.

Rather than reprimanding Sonu, his grandfather (played by Atul Tiwari) dismisses the remark with a smirk and says, "Ladka hai, ho jata hai." (He is a boy, it happens.). He blames television for Sonu’s behaviour, suggesting that he should only watch Ramayan and Mahabharata instead. However, Sonu's mother, played by Vidya Balan, recognizes the deep-rooted issue in this mindset and takes it upon herself to guide her son in the right direction.

A Mother’s Resistance Against Patriarchy

Understanding the criticality of Sonu’s words and the mindset behind them, his mother (Vidya Balan) uses storytelling as a tool for transformation. She narrates a fable that subtly dismantles patriarchal norms and redefines the essence of masculinity. Through her bedtime story, she highlights how society conditions men into believing they are superior and how women are often reduced to objects of pleasure and servitude. Her storytelling acts as a mirror to the harsh realities that shape young minds, reflecting the need for change at a fundamental level.

The bedtime tale beautifully conveys that masculinity is not about dominance but about kindness and empathy. It emphasizes that raising children with the right values can be the key to breaking the toxic cycle of gender-based oppression.

A Hard-Hitting Social Commentary

The film brings to the forefront the generational transfer of patriarchal beliefs. Expressions like "mard ko dard nahi hota" (men don't feel pain) or "ladkiyan parayi hoti hain" (girls belong to someone else) have been so deeply ingrained that they are accepted without question. Natkhat movie challenges these notions, urging viewers to reconsider how we shape young minds and redefine masculinity more progressively.

Performances and Direction in Vidya Balan starrer Natkhat Movie

Vidya Balan, also the co-producer of the film, delivers a stellar performance as a homemaker and a mother who refuses to let her son be another product of a misogynistic society. Her nuanced portrayal of a mother who silently fights back against the normalization of patriarchy is both powerful and heartwarming. Sanika Patel, the young actor playing Sonu, delivers a remarkable performance. Her ability to embody a young boy's psyche so convincingly adds depth to the narrative.

The screenplay is written brilliantly, managing to convey profound messages through subtle storytelling. The cinematography complements the script well, capturing the contrast between innocence and indoctrination. The film’s simple yet effective direction ensures that the message remains the focal point without unnecessary dramatization.

Final Verdict: Natkhat Movie Review - Hit Or Miss?

With a gripping narrative, stellar performances, and a powerful social message, Natkhat is a short film that leaves a deep impact. It is a poignant reminder that change begins at home and that breaking the cycle of patriarchy requires conscious efforts in upbringing. Through a simple bedtime story, the film highlights the power of education and parental guidance in shaping the future.

Natkhat is not just a film; it is a call to action. It encourages us to introspect and question the values we pass on to the next generation. The film beautifully aligns with the famous phrase, "saying big things in a short time."

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✰ (4.5/5)

For those who appreciate meaningful cinema that challenges societal norms, Natkhat is a must-watch movie. It is available on various streaming platforms and deserves to be seen, discussed, and internalized. Watch it, reflect, and take a step toward a more gender-equal society.

Natkhat Movie Official Trailer