Malaal

Malaal is a 2019 Indian coming-of-age romantic drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-written by Bhansali and Prashant Iyer. The story revolves around two young individuals, Shiva (played by Mumbaikar actor Sanjay Pednekar's son Meezaan Jafri) and Aastha (played by Sharmin Segal), who belong to different worlds and hail from different socio-cultural backgrounds. The narrative begins with a glimpse into the life of Shiva, a young man who resides in a dingy chawl in the heart of Mumbai. He's a member of a gang and has a penchant for rowdiness. His days are filled with getting into fights and indulging in petty crimes. Shiva's life is one of chaos and disorder, and yet, he navigates through it with a certain degree of ease, almost as if he's found a sense of belonging in his surroundings. In stark contrast, Aastha hails from a more affluent family. Her dad, Ratan, is a middle-aged man who has recently relocated to the chawl due to his professional obligations. Aastha, being the elder sibling, is expected to keep a check on her younger brother and maintain some semblance of decorum within the household. She's a bright and level-headed girl who dreams of becoming a writer one day. Aastha's transition to the chawl marks the beginning of a new era in her life, and the audience is introduced to her struggles as an outsider. When the two protagonists from different worlds collide, sparks begin to fly. Their initial encounters are tense and awkward, reflecting the cultural divide between them. Aastha, in particular, faces a lot of resistance from her family members who are hesitant to adjust to the city's lifestyle. Her dad, Ratan, wants her to maintain a dignified image and settle down to a normal routine, much to Aastha's dismay. Shiva, on the other hand, is equally disheartened by the sudden influx of outsiders in the chawl. His world is turned upside down as he's forced to accept the presence of these "elites" in their midst. His reluctance to warm up to Aastha is further fueled by her attempts to change him and adapt to his world. As Shiva and Aastha continue to cross paths, an unyielding curiosity develops within them to explore the uncharted territories of each other's lives. They begin to engage in meaningful conversations, sharing their aspirations, fears, and desires. Aastha finds herself drawn to Shiva's carefree nature and zest for life, while Shiva is fascinated by her creative pursuits and passion for the arts. However, their budding relationship is threatened by the socio-economic divide that separates them. Shiva's friends and family members view Aastha and her family with suspicion, perceiving them as outsiders who don't belong to the chawl. On the other hand, Aastha's family members disapprove of Shiva's rough demeanor, viewing him as a bad influence on her. Malaal takes its audience on an immersive journey through the contrasting lives of Shiva and Aastha, capturing the vibrancy of Mumbai's urban landscape. The film beautifully captures the complexities of their romance, conveying the emotional turmoil and internal struggles both of them face in the face of societal pressure. The supporting cast does a commendable job in lending depth to the narrative. The chemistry between Shiva and Aastha is palpable, making their romance an integral part of the story. Meezaan Jafri, in particular, brings to the table an authentic portrayal of a young man caught between his loyalty towards his friends and love for a woman from a different world. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's directorial skills shine in this coming-of-age drama, capturing the essence of love, longing, and the struggles of navigating two different worlds. Bhansali, along with Prashant Iyer, weaves a beautiful narrative that reflects the resilience of human relationships in the face of uncertainty and societal expectations. Ultimately, Malaal stands out as a poignant portrayal of young love in the city of Mumbai, exploring themes of social inequality, family pressures, and the quest for identity. It raises essential questions about societal norms and the capacity for love to transgress these boundaries. This cinematic masterpiece leaves the audience pondering about the fragility and beauty of love and life in the midst of societal complexities.