Director: Ravi Jadhav
Writers: Arjun Singh Byrne and Karthik D Nishaddar
Platform: Jio Cinema
Release Date: August 15, 2023
Taali Review :
Summary and Context
“Taali,” available as a web series on Jio Cinema, begins with the Marathi proverb/poem of Sant Tukaram that states, “He who serves is no less than God.” The series is based on the real-life story of transgender activist Gauri Sawant. Gauri fights for the rights of transgender girls in her community, from the streets to the courts, in order to integrate them into mainstream society. She strives for recognition of the third gender in the country.
Story and Theme
The story revolves around Gauri’s efforts, who strives to empower her community and connect them with society. The narrative addresses complex issues such as societal norms, identity, and acceptance. Gauri’s journey of struggle and empowerment is a testament to her belief that serving others is akin to serving God.
Highlights and Character Depth
Sushmita Sen delivers an impactful performance as Gauri Sawant. Her portrayal brings depth and authenticity to the character. The series vividly portrays Gauri’s challenges, the struggles within her community, and her fight against societal discrimination.
Direction and Performance
Ravi Jadhav, known for his work in Marathi cinema with films like “Natarang,” “Balak-Palak,” and “Balagandharva,” directed the series. Sushmita Sen’s casting in the role of Gauri has certainly drawn attention to the series. Her portrayal carries the weight of the entire series and effectively captures the essence of Gauri’s struggles with honesty. Although the philosophy behind this entire narrative reveals some impactful moments from Gauri Sawant’s life, it cannot be claimed that the series manages to captivate the audience at every turn.
Script and Execution
The series falls short in terms of its script, which touches on crucial aspects of transgender lives but doesn’t entirely bring the depth of their struggles to light. While the series does present the transgender community’s story in a clear and straightforward manner, it fails to delve deep enough to truly resonate. The pacing of the series also feels sluggish, and one might wonder whether presenting this story in a two-hour film format would have been more effective.
Why Should You Watch
Despite its flaws, the makers and Sushmita Sen bring the extraordinary story of Gauri Sawant, a traditional activist, to the forefront with courage and unwavering belief in “Taali.” The performances of the entire cast contribute well to their respective roles.
