Queen

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 Queen [2013]

Starring: Kangana Ranaut, Lisa Haydon, Mish Boyko, Sabeeka Imam

Direction by Vikas Bahl

Language: Hindi


Every person who has gone to any Indian person's household has probably heard of the song London Thumakada. And it was me hearing this song as I was growing up that incentivised me to watch this movie. This was the only hit song in the picture, and whoever composed it hit the nail right on the head: upbeat and danceable, the song reflected the mostly positive message the movie demonstrated. 

Let me just set the record straight: I think that Kangana Ranaut as a person is quite an eccentric character: her political views are nothing short of insane. However, Queen was her magnum opus. When I say that she shone in this movie, I'm not kidding! From the celebration of the first scenes, to a sense of melancholia in the middle parts to a final empowerment in the final scenes, Kangana Ranaut shone! 

This is probably the first authentically feminist Indian movie I have ever seen: the focus was on solely the woman, without some man she has to be dependent on, a man having to rescue her from doing what she wants to do. The very idea of an Indian woman embarking on a honeymoon all by herself is ludicrous, and the fact that it actually happens just cements this feminist ideal right from one of the opening scenes. In movies of the 1990s and 2000s in India, a woman's entire identity was dependent on a man: a man's rejection would lead to certain disaster. I'm very happy to have seen a movie that doesn't fall into this cliché, antiquated storyline. 

What I found particularly interesting about this movie was the commentary on the restrictive nature of Indian society. The patriarchy in India meant that the main character, Rani, was originally unable to not only survive on her own in a foreign country, but manage her own emotions to actually thrive. Rani's timid personality is contrasted by the brazen, liberal, and almost devil-may care nature of the characters of Roxette and Vijayalakshmi. Seeing this contrast really showcases the difference between those raised in India and those raised outside India, and henceforth serves a metaphor for the regressive nature of society in India. 

Additionally, the melding of those from different nationalities is something I have not previously seen in Indian films: more often than not, Hindi movies set abroad are somehow miraculously composed of only Indians! Queen by far had a more realistic and modern approach to actually portraying the world outside India. Seeing the protagonist have to adapt to a world that is not her own is something that I can relate to: when you grow up in a bubble, the overwhelming feeling that everything is unfamiliar is something so strong. 

Overall, a great watch! 

8/10

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