Polite Society

In "Polite Society," a vibrant coming-of-age film infused with martial arts, sisterhood, and a touch of heist cinema, writer-director Nida Manzoor masterfully weaves a tale that resonates with millennial women seeking agency and freedom. The story centers around Ria Khan (played by Tanya Maniktala), a bright-eyed and ambitious young woman dedicated to her martial arts training. Ria lives with her older sister, Lena, who is about to embark on a predetermined path of marriage. Lena's choices seem to mirror the societal expectations placed upon her by their traditional Indian family. While Lena is resigned to her fate, Ria sees an opportunity to disrupt the arranged marriage and assert independence. For her, Lena's union would be a loss of individuality and autonomy. With her sister's fate hanging in the balance, Ria turns to her close-knit group of friends, each with their unique set of skills. They consist of an eccentric group of teenagers, each with their own set of experiences and motivations. Each friend has a stake in the operation, driven by a mix of personal and collective aspirations. As Ria meticulously plans the heist, she faces numerous complications and setbacks. One major obstacle is Lena, who feels caught between loyalty to her friends and obligation to the expectations of her family and fiancé. Meanwhile, tensions escalate within the group as each friend harbors their own doubts and fears. Amidst the preparations for the high-stakes heist, Ria and her friends navigate complex relationships with their own families and the societal norms surrounding them. Ria's own relationship with Lena is particularly strained as the sisters grapple with vastly different views on love, marriage, and family loyalty. Through her planning, Ria draws inspiration from various film genres and martial arts. As the heist approaches, Ria's ambitions grow bolder, incorporating elements of heist cinema. This artistic fusion adds an element of tension, combining her love of martial arts, friendships, and her sister's happiness. Each of these elements coalesces in a thrilling finale that showcases Ria's determination and spirit. The film raises thought-provoking questions about love, relationships, and social expectations placed upon millennial women from traditional Indian families. The story delves deep into the emotional complexities of the sisterly bond between Ria and Lena. Their conflicting views and struggles serve as a powerful commentary on family dynamics, expectations, and female empowerment. The character development is a crucial aspect of "Polite Society." The film expertly fleshes out the personalities, motivations, and vulnerabilities of each main character. By doing so, the audience is able to empathize with the characters' emotions and motivations, which propels the plot forward. The film is a vibrant celebration of sisterhood, friendship, and self-discovery. It is a cinematic journey that not only captivates the senses with its action and comedy elements but also explores profound themes and emotions associated with coming-of-age stories. By embracing the complexities of family and personal relationships, "Polite Society" paints a beautiful and relatable portrait of female friendship and empowerment.