Sukhee: A Film That Struggles to Find Its Identity

Director: Sonal Joshi

Cast: Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Chaitannya Choudhry, Kusha Kapila, Dilnaz Irani, Pavleen Gujral, Maahi Jain, Vinod Nagpal

"Sukhee," directed by Sonal Joshi, attempts to navigate the complexities of a woman's life as she breaks free from societal expectations. However, the film's lack of clarity in storytelling and a sense of randomness hampers its ability to deliver a cohesive and impactful narrative.

The film revolves around Sukhpreet (Shilpa Shetty Kundra), a seemingly ordinary homemaker who decides to defy her traditionally rude family and rediscover herself. However, the film struggles to define its genre, vacillating between a coming-of-age tale, a story about a middle-aged couple losing their spark, a feminist comedy about old college friends, and a drama about a woman learning to be herself again.

The narrative is plagued by a lack of focus and a sense of randomness, leading to an unclear message and purpose. The film's attempt to incorporate various themes, including feminism, friendship, and self-discovery, results in a disjointed storytelling experience. The title itself, "Sukhee," seems disconnected from the protagonist's name, adding to the overall confusion.

One of the film's peculiar moments involves Sukhee becoming a professional jockey and competing in a prestigious derby, using a horse-riding metaphor that feels forced and unrelated to the main storyline. The narrative also introduces a street-food tour and a public toilet scene with gratuitous elements that seem out of place.

While Shilpa Shetty Kundra delivers a commendable performance, the film's lack of a cohesive identity and its attempt to convey multiple messages simultaneously detract from the impact. The supporting cast, including Chaitannya Choudhry, Kusha Kapila, and others, plays their roles adequately, but the screenplay's randomness limits their ability to shine.

"Sukhee" struggles with self-awareness, attempting to showcase the strength of homemakers while treating them as exotic and almost supernatural beings. The film's urge to make a statement overshadows the storytelling, reducing the central character to a concept rather than a relatable individual.

In conclusion, "Sukhee" is a film that grapples with its own identity, unable to establish a clear narrative direction. The lack of coherence in storytelling, coupled with forced elements and a sense of randomness, diminishes the overall impact of the film. While it touches on important themes, the execution falls short of delivering a compelling and meaningful cinematic experience.