ZEE5’s original film on forced male sterilization during the Emergency period in India is as interesting as they come. Even though it has its flaws, Shukranu Hui Emotion Ki Nasbandi is a fun ride which manages to tickle and teach you about problems faced by a common man during those times.
Story
Shukranu follows the story of a young factory worker, Inder (Divyenndu), who forcibly undergoes a vasectomy few days before his wedding. Initially unable to consummate the marriage, he seeks professional help to be able to perform in bed and slowly digests the fact that he is now impotent.
He gradually gets very attached to his wife Reema (Shweta Basu Prasad) but hides his inability to reproduce from everyone. After eventually returning to Delhi alone to continue working in the factory, he receives a letter which brings his whole world tumbling down.
Reema is pregnant but Inder refuses to believe he is the father owing to his condition. Assuming that his wife has been unfaithful, Inder starts an extra marital affair with Akriti (Sheetal Thakur) in Delhi as a way to deal with this betrayal.
However, as these situations often turn out, things do not go to plan for Inder.
Performances
With a breakout performance as Munna Tripathi in Amazon Prime Video’s Mirzapur, Divyenndu has been on the rise in the digital space. He plays Inder with such conviction and ease that it is hard to find any fault in the character’s portrayal.
As a common man who is forcefully sterilized, Divyenndu expresses all his feelings seamlessly. It is almost impossible to not get sentimental in a few scenes.
Both the leading ladies have done a brilliant job with their characters as well. It is difficult to compare the two as both roles are drastically different from each other. Sheetal Thakur’s Akriti is charismatic, outgoing and definitive about what she wants.
Furthermore, even though Shweta Basu Prasad has done a great job with what she had, her character Reema is a reserved and shy house maker which does not give her much room to express herself.
Positives
Shukranu is a well made film. Its pacy and keeps you hooked. Director Bishnu Dev Halder deserves a lot of credit for it along with writers Ravi Kumar and Sudhir Singh.
The 1970s setting is absolutely convincing and it could pass off as an older film if it were not for the picture quality.
Another feather in Shukranu’s cap is its music. It fits so well with the mood of the film and Sanjay Jaipurwale, Advait Nemelekar and Harish Sagane deserve applause for it.
Negatives
Where this film falters is in its narrative. The story is extremely predictable and does not leave too much room for twists and surprises.
Furthermore, the comic element in Shukranu is not too strong. It is funny in bits and pieces and fails to consistently make you laugh which is expected from a comedy.
Worth it?
It is definitely worth your time. This slice of life film focuses on one of the darkest eras of Indian democracy in a much lighter tone. Even though it is not extraordinary, the cast’s performances and the script’s execution is phenomenal.
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