Sukhee Review: Shilpa Shetty starrer may not be a ground-breaking story, but certainly a balm on women's aching hearts

For most Indian women, Sukhee would seem like a balm on their aching hearts. Following the same routine of household chores, fulfilling husband and child’s needs, and in the process losing themselves a little every day. Do men have to be blamed for their mundane life? Are men stopping you from being yourself? This heartwarming story of a Punjabi housewife featuring Shilpa Shetty Kundra comes from three women writers-Radhika Anand, Paulomi Dutta, Rupinder Inderjit-and director Sonal Joshi. It beautifully breaks the premise of pseudo-feminism which has been tried and tested in most of the movies in the past.

In the first half, we are introduced to Sukhee’s grandfather-in-law, who pushes her to rekindle her old self and says, “Sukhee naam wale kabhi dukhi nahi hotay.” After losing her only support system, the submissive homemaker packs her bags to attend a school reunion party in Delhi to live her life for two days, leaving behind her man-child husband Guru(Chaitanya Choudhry) and daughter Jassi in utter surprise. She sets out on a journey of self-rediscovery with her friends-Meher, Mansi and Tanvi(Kusha Kapila, Pavleen Gujral and Dilnaz Irani) in her bedhadak, besharam, beparwah style. On the other hand, her household begins to crumble down as her husband and daughter only miss her to meet their demands. The articulated and hard-hitting dialogues keep the interest intact and good screenplay keeps you glued to the screen.

The second half actually gives you a better understanding of each character after the backstory of Sukhee and Guru is revealed. The younger and chirpy Shilpa though looks like AI-created but the chemistry between the couple will strike a chord. Their love takes a backseat as the marriage institution comes into place. Sukhee craves compassion and intimacy from Guru amid responsibilities. The narration balances the sorrows of husband and wife while focussing on the companionship. Both the characters realise that they have lost themselves but in different timelines, which form the main crux of the film. There are several relatable moments which will make both genders feel heard and empowered.

With subtle and a non-dictating tone, the film puts out a simple message that each one has their own problem but one has to face it by becoming no one’s doormat. Especially the toilet scene when the four friends reveal their struggles in life, and teach Sukhee that she has to take a stand for herself to be happy. Some poignant scenes between friends, and Sukhee’s daughter’s debate speech, will tug at your heartstrings. So do carry extra tissues to wipe your tears. The scenes of Sukhee and her Chamkadar(Amit Sadh) will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra beautifully portrays a plethora of emotions, however, her characterisation of a housewife looks unreal, because of her manicured hands and perfect hair. Chaitanya, who made his Bollywood debut with Sukhee, is effortless throughout, right from his Punjabi accent to nuanced acting particularly in emotional scenes. He feels real and nobody would be better than him as Guru. Kusha Kapila is an extension of the social media influencer image in the film. She is the right fit for a badass, sassy and outspoken Meher. Pavleen Gujral and Dilnaz Irani perform their parts well. Kiran Kumar, who plays Sukhee’s father, adds much-needed warmth to the father-daughter relationship with his presence.

In a nutshell, Sukhee is not a ground-breaking story but its treatment and approach make it a feel-good movie. It is the perfect watch for those housewives who are looking forward to having a movie night with their girl gangs.