Non Review Rant

I am reviewing it based on my memories of 2014 when me and my sister watched it every Saturday for lunch.

Cast and Characters

1. Kangana Ranaut as Rani Mehra: The protagonist of the film, Rani, embarks on a solo honeymoon journey after her wedding is called off. Her transformation from a shy and sheltered girl to a confident and independent woman forms the heart of the story.

2. Lisa Haydon as Vijayalakshmi: Rani’s vivacious and free-spirited friend in Paris. She introduces Rani to a world of fun, adventure, and self-discovery.

3. Rajkummar Rao as Vijay: Rani’s fiancé who calls off their wedding just days before the ceremony, leading to Rani’s decision to embark on a solo journey.

Credits

• Director: Vikas Bahl
• Producer: Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, and others
• Writer: Vikas Bahl, Chaitally Parmar, and Parveez Sheikh
• Music: Amit Trivedi
• Cinematography: Bobby Singh
• Editing: Abhijit Kokate and Anurag Kashyap

Trivia

1. Kangana’s National Award: Kangana Ranaut won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her outstanding performance as Rani. Her portrayal of Rani’s journey resonated deeply with the audience and critics alike.

2. Kangana’s French Lessons: Kangana took French lessons to ensure authenticity in her interactions with characters during her time in Paris. Her commitment to the role is reflected in her nuanced performance.

3. Real Locations: The film was shot in several real locations, capturing the essence of the places Rani visits during her journey. This lent an air of authenticity to the film’s narrative.

4. Lisa Haydon’s Breakout Role: Lisa Haydon’s portrayal of Vijayalakshmi garnered significant attention. Her character’s carefree attitude and unique friendship with Rani added a layer of depth to the story.

5. Impact on Solo Travel: “Queen” had a significant impact on popularizing the concept of solo travel among Indian women. Many women found inspiration in Rani’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

6. Cultural Impact: The film resonated with audiences across generations and backgrounds due to its relatable themes of self-identity and self-worth. It remains a conversation starter on the societal expectations placed on women.

Plot Summary

Queen (Rani) is the story of Rani, a naïve and sweet girl of a sweetshop owner. She gets dumped by her fiancé a day before her marriage. This was a love-slash-arranged marriage, no less and he had done many crazy thing to woo her.

Broken-hearted, devastated yet resolute to get over him, she decides to go on for her pre-booked honeymoon alone. And, she first solo journey is filled with epiphanies, quirks and she returns stronger, bolder and more beautiful. (I want to say beautifuller).

Review

We have read self-redemption books and watched such movies, but this movie stands out for various reasons.

Let’s dive into it, shall we?

Attention to Details

The chaotic London Thumakda song to his reverberating statement “Hamara status match nahin karta.”

The first song, for example, shows so many things in one song. The uncle who is constantly worried about the arrangements, her cousin whose only interest is to get everyone to dance the steps that she has taught, Rani’s friend who is in full mood to enjoy her best friend’s wedding, her mother who’s happy and yet emotional that she’s leaving in a say or two and finally Rani joins the dance making sure that she doesn’t touch her dress with her mehendi design.

Of course, I must mention the scene when Rani starts to dance on Asha Bhosale’s Hangama Ho Gaya. She takes off her cardigan and rotates it in air with swag. We wait for her to fling it on the crowd. That is what I was expecting her to so, because that is how our brains are conditioned after seeing it a million times in Bollywood movies. But, no. She stuffs it into her purse. Practical girl!

There are several small moments that add to the beauty of the film. Whether it is the next day of break-up when she is still locked in her room and stuffs sweets to feed herself; or the lizard scene in the hotel room.

Amit Trivedi’s Soundtrack

Amit Trivedi’s music has a haunting and nostalgic quality. It haunts you, in a good way; and the feeling of being haunted stays with you forever.

Another thing to note, in my inexperience opinion is that the soundtrack relies more on the vocals than the instruments. You hear and feel the singer’s voice instead of being bothered by overpowering score.

This soundtrack is no different. From the peppy wedding number London Thumakda to the euphoric Jugni, the music helps you connect with the narrative instead of being an add-on.

Performances

All actors have done a fabulous job with their roles, no matter how miniscule it may seem.

Rani’s friend, though appears in 4-5 scenes is so real. From her slightly annoyed expression at the pakoda shop to her pause-and-play dance move in the opening song, she feels like a true best friend forever.

Her mother’s teary eyed smile as everybody grooves to the song will certainly tug the strings your heart.

That gaplu boy who plays younger yet fiercely protective brother has such swag that is seldom seen in boys these days.

Diana Hayden as french waitress who is Rani’s first window.

And, then there is Kangana Ranaut as Rani. She’s vulnerable, fiesty, and oh-so-sweet.

Parting Thoughts

“Queen” is a film that resonates deeply with me due to its refreshing take on self-discovery and independence. Kangana Ranaut’s portrayal of Rani, a young woman who embarks on a solo honeymoon after her wedding is called off, is nothing short of extraordinary. The film takes us on Rani’s journey of self-realization as she steps out of her comfort zone and discovers her own strength and identity.

The beauty of “Queen” lies in its relatability. Rani’s transformation from a sheltered girl to a confident and empowered woman strikes a chord with anyone who has faced challenges in life. The film celebrates the importance of self-love, embracing individuality, and charting one’s own path. It shatters the traditional mold of a woman’s journey being defined by relationships and instead focuses on her relationship with herself.

Moreover, “Queen” is a delightful blend of heart and humor. Rani’s encounters with different people during her solo journey – from Amsterdam to Paris – lead to heartwarming and sometimes hilarious moments. These interactions not only add depth to the storyline but also showcase the beauty of human connections and shared experiences.

The film’s message is universal and timeless: life’s unexpected twists and turns can lead to the most extraordinary discoveries about ourselves. It’s a celebration of resilience, courage, and the innate human ability to rise above challenges.

In a world where societal expectations often cloud personal aspirations, “Queen” stands as a reminder that it’s okay to break free and march to the beat of your own drum. It’s a film that encourages us to embrace the unknown, believe in our potential, and relish the journey of self-discovery.

So there you have it, “Queen” rightfully takes its place among my favorite movies for its empowering message, relatable narrative, and Kangana Ranaut’s exceptional performance. It’s a cinematic gem that continues to inspire and uplift, just like the other movies on my list.

Queen is one of the best movies in last decade and I would watch it again, if I get a chance.

I should probably stop here, lest this review turns into a re-written script of the film.

PS: This is the first time I am posting a review of a Bollywood movie. The list is long, but I will slowly get to it.

Shabana Mukhtar