“Margarita with a Straw,” released on October 17, 2014, is a heartfelt Indian drama that challenges societal norms and explores complex themes of love, identity, and self-discovery. Directed by Shonali Bose, the film is a coming-of-age story with a difference, set against the backdrop of disability and unconventional relationships. With its sensitive storytelling and stellar performances, this movie has managed to carve a niche for itself in the world of cinema. Let’s delve deeper into what makes this film a compelling watch.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Laila, a young woman with cerebral palsy, played by Kalki Koechlin. Laila is a talented writer and musician who refuses to let her physical challenges define her life. Seeking independence, she moves from Delhi to New York to pursue her education. Along the way, she experiences the highs and lows of love, explores her sexuality, and confronts her own insecurities. The film beautifully portrays her journey of self-acceptance and her relationships with those around her, including her family, friends, and romantic interests.
What’s Good?
1. Kalki Koechlin’s Performance:
Kalki’s portrayal of Laila is nothing short of extraordinary. She immerses herself in the role with authenticity, bringing both vulnerability and strength to the character. Her nuanced performance captures the struggles and triumphs of living with a disability without resorting to stereotypes.
2. Direction by Shonali Bose:
Bose’s direction is sensitive and insightful. She handles the subject matter with care, ensuring the narrative remains engaging and relatable. The film’s tone strikes a perfect balance between emotional depth and lighthearted moments.
3. Music and Soundtrack:
The music by Mikey McCleary complements the film’s themes beautifully. The soulful tracks enhance the emotional resonance of key scenes, making them memorable.
4. Cinematography:
Anne Misawa’s cinematography captures the vibrancy of New York and the intimacy of Laila’s world. The visuals are rich and expressive, adding layers to the storytelling.
5. Representation:
The film’s honest depiction of disability and bisexuality is groundbreaking for Indian cinema. It opens up conversations about inclusivity and acceptance in a way that feels organic and heartfelt.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- The screenplay is well-written, blending humor, drama, and romance seamlessly.
- The character development is strong, particularly Laila’s journey of self-discovery.
- The film’s message of embracing one’s identity is universal and inspiring.
Weaknesses:
- Some viewers might find the pacing slow, especially in the second half.
- A few subplots feel underexplored, leaving certain characters less fleshed out.
- The ending, while poignant, might feel abrupt to some audiences.
Target Audience
“Margarita with a Straw” will appeal to viewers who enjoy thought-provoking dramas with strong character arcs. It’s a must-watch for those interested in stories that challenge societal norms and explore human relationships in depth. While the film’s themes are mature, its universal appeal makes it suitable for a wide audience, including fans of independent cinema and meaningful storytelling.
Box Office Details
Budget: The film was made on a modest budget of approximately INR 6 crores.
Worldwide Box Office Collection: “Margarita with a Straw” earned around INR 14 crores globally, doubling its production cost and proving to be a financial success for its scale.
Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas):
- Day 1: INR 1.2 crores (India), INR 0.5 crores (Overseas)
- Day 2: INR 1.5 crores (India), INR 0.7 crores (Overseas)
- Day 3: INR 2 crores (India), INR 1 crores (Overseas)
- Day 4: INR 1.1 crores (India), INR 0.6 crores (Overseas)
- Day 5: INR 0.9 crores (India), INR 0.4 crores (Overseas)
The steady growth in collections reflects the film’s positive word-of-mouth and critical acclaim.
Recommendation
“Margarita with a Straw” is a beautifully crafted film that challenges conventions and celebrates individuality. With its powerful performances and heartfelt narrative, it’s a movie that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. Highly recommended for those seeking meaningful cinema with emotional depth.
Genres:
Drama
Rating:
6.9/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Kalki Koechlin | Laila Kapoor |
| Revathi | Shubhangini Kapoor |
| Sayani Gupta | Khanum |
| Hussain Dalal | Dhruv |
| William Moseley | Jared |
| Kuljeet Singh | Baljit Kapoor |
| Malhar Khushu | Monu Kapoor |
| Tenzing Dalha | Nima |
| Shuchi Dwivedi | Sameera |
| Doug Plaut | Rob |
| Jennifer Silverstein | Nancy |
| Marco Torriani | Charles |
| Jacob Berger | Electronics Salesman |
| Maninder Kaur Chauhan | Dhruv’s Mother |
| Rakesh Bazad Raj | Laila’s Uncle |
| Asia Kaleem | Blues Band Singer |
| Reginald L. Wilson | Drummer |
| Andrew Hsu | Reed Player |
| Prabhtoj Singh | Lead Guitarist |
| Amir Hisham Ouazzani | Dancer |
| Nicolette Dehi | Dancer |
| Jose Rivera | NYU Professor |
| Dorsea Palmer | Disabled Student |
| Stefano Villabona | Disabled Student |
| Blair Wing | April |
| Carlotta Summers | Student |
| Gabrielle Fleck | Student |
| Vin Scialla | Riot Officer on Radio |
| Frisco Cosme | Main Protestor |
| Tim Gauntt | Protestor |
| Yeuris Taveras | Protestor |
How is Our Review?
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
