Saand Ki Aankh Review: Taapsee, Bhumi's inspiring biopic hits bullseye

Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar's Saand Ki Aankh, which is all set to hit the theaters this Diwali. The film, which is a biopic on the world's oldest female sharpshooters- Chandro Tomar and Prakash Tomar hailing from Johri village, in Uttar Pradesh, has been making it up to the news ever since the film was announced. While people have been debating over Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar essaying the role of women double their age in the film, the actresses proved that no one else could've done it better.

Director: Tushar Hiranandani

Cast: Bhumi Pednekar, Taapsee Pannu, Prakash Jha, Vineet Kumar Singh, Nikhat Khan, Shaad Randhawa and Pawan Chopra.

Genre: Biography 

Date Released: October 25, 2019. 

CBFC rating:  U

Duration: 148.40 mins

Reviewer Rating: 4/5 

Setting the Scene

The film set in Johri village of Uttar Pradesh showcases the extremes of patriarchy, where women can be seen walking around with draping a dupatta over their faces. Keeping up with the cultural norm of the area, Chandro and Prakash Tomar move around with their faces covered, even while watching a film. They work in the fields and hand over all their income to the men of their family. From going out of the village to starting a business of their own, Chandro and Prakash Tomar are bound with restrictions from all sides. 

Plot

The situation, however, changes when Dr. Yashpal, played by Vineet Kumar Singh, returns to the village and starts his own shooting academy. Chandro and Prakash Tomar, who aspire to make the lives of women better in the area decide to send their granddaughters to the academy. Eventually, the women discover their talent in shooting and start practicing the same, hiding from the men of their family. 

Verdict

Saand Ki Aankh is a women-oriented film that narrates the story of shooter grannies breaking stereotypes. The film extends an inspiring message of women empowerment and proves that age is not a limit. Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar do a brilliant job portraying the shooter grannies- Prakash and Chandro Tomar. From their looks to language, they have aced it all. Also, the actresses have done wonders mastering the body language of the oldest sharpshooters.

With an engaging storyline and stunning performances by the actors, Saand Ki Aankh surpasses the expectations of the audience. The film has a perfect balance of emotions. While the struggle of the women to make a place in the man's world will provoke your thoughts, their actions will leave you in splits. Unlike several Bollywood ventures, the songs of the film added value to the context of the story.

Overall, Saand Ki Aankh is an absolute family entertainer celebrating the remarkable women of the nation. It is definitely worth the watch. 

What works: Smart knitting of humour and light-hearted moments in a tightly-packed script.

What doesn't work: The prosthetic makeup of the actors which looked inconsistent.