Khayali Pulao review: Prajakta Koli’s short film is simple, sweet and uplifting

Like any social drama that spotlights everything wrong in our society, Khayali Pulao is also a commentary on gender bias. It also has characters who are regressive: a father who is offended by a village girl wearing jeans and t-shirt; a mother who wonders who will marry that girl. But, never does it make you feel uncomfortable. Instead, it is a short film with a simple narrative which gives us something to think about without being preachy.

Writer-director Tarun Dudeja has suggested the reason for Asha’s progressive nature to be her access to the internet, thus focusing on the impact of technology in the growth of a society. For instance, when Asha is told she can’t be in the school’s team, she pays to access the internet and learns the techniques of the game on YouTube.

Yashpal Sharma in Khayali Pulao.

This story has no villains. Yashpal Sharma, as a sports coach, has delivered a controlled performance where he does only what is required of him. He is not mean or abusive towards a student. He just cares about forming a strong team. Internet sensation Prajakta Kohli does most of the talking through her expressive face and is decent with her Haryanvi accent.

To me, Khayali Pulao, apart from boasting of a strong message on empowering women, highlights the power of hard work and self-belief.