Mitran Da Naa Chalda movie review: A didactic film sans any subtlety

Binder (Tania), Karam (Raj Shokar) and Henna (Renu Kaushal) are three young women who arrive in Chandigarh are are trying to find employment. As single women, they face discrimination while trying to rent a home, and realise that prospective employers are harassing them. Fed up with the attitude of men and the constant workplace harassment, they hatch a plan to set everything right. However, things go awry and the women find themselves at the mercy of the law. This is when Laddi decides to fight for them.

The film’s strong suit lies in the fact that it highlights key issues of society like poverty, gender discrimination, workplace harassment, and unemployment. One cannot remember when a film examined the plight of workers who wear cartoon costumes and pose with kids to make a living.

However, the problem lies in the fact that Mitran Da Naa Chalda portrays these concerns with such a heavy hand that the end result is a didactic film sans any subtlety. The very fact that all men in the workplace are portrayed as being lecherous and potential rapists, is a strange choice. In addition to this is the baffling portrayal of Gippy’s character, who is shown to be a messiah-like figure. Again, women must place their fate in the hands of men and in the uncomplicated messaging of the film, one has to rely on the good graces of men to be saved from society’s ills.

In terms of performances, Grewal seems to be suffering from the hangover of his Warning (2021) film series. From a happy-go-lucky character, he suddenly dons an action hero avatar and single-handedly beats up some ruffians, bests a senior lawyer at her game, and all-in-all saves the day. Tania plays a chirpy, lively character which does not require her to do much. The comic relief is provided by the supporting cast and there are some rib-tickling moments. Anita Devgan and Nirmal Rishi are particularly hilarious.

The story of women facing harsh circumstances, trying to stand on their feet, fighting oppression and patriarchy is an emotionally stirring one and the film has its heart in the right place. But, we’ve seen this story play out many times before.

Mitran Da Naa Chalda movie cast: Gippy Grewal, Tania, Raj Shokar, Shweta Tiwari
Mitran Da Naa Chalda movie director: Pankaj Batra
Mitran Da Naa Chalda movie rating: 2 stars