Our lead man Manu is a bodybuilder and an owner of a struggling gym. His friends and business partners hire a Zumba coach Maanvi, hoping to attract more customers. It does happen and gym becomes popular. Manu is preparing for a competition and injures himself, and Maanvi gets him to the hospital and then home, where she meets his overbearing sisters and his widowed father and grandfather. Manu asks Maanvi out and they gradually become friends, then lovers. A steamy romance ensues, and before you know Manu proposes Maanvi for marriage. This is when Maanvi tells him that she is actually a trans woman. Manu is horrified and angry, and doesn't understand what has stuck him. He is horrified thinking that he has slept with a boy and doesn't know what to do. In fact Athene's spread soon in the town and even his otherwise supportive sisters insult Maanvi. Its only Maanvi's best friend and dad who are always by her side. Manu stills feels attracted to Maanvi but can't get over the fact that she was once a boy. With proper coaching and struggles, Manu is able to see and feel pure love beyond gender.
Even though the story may sound sad, as it always is with Ayushman Khurana's film; this is a good mix of drama and humor. Sure, you can argue that the film doesn't really talk or address any of the specific trans issues and I get that but for a society like India, just introducing them to the word and the reality of trans people is a good first bold step. Director Abhishek Kapoor thankfully hasn’t taken the preachy road and offers much in the way of massy entertainment in the hope that somewhere amidst it all, what he’s actually trying to say will be heard as well. Leading actress Vaani Kapoor here is the main scene stealer. Her scene where she confronts Manu in an arcade game telling her not to take her lightly. She has been used to abuse and threats from people all her life, so she is ready and prepared for everything that comes and will come her way. Its also good to see she having support by her father and a lesbian best friend (two characters who again have been given full respect). Some people may find the use of Hindi work for eunuch on more than one occasions insulting, but think form the perspective of a common man and its a matter of educating them. Yes, the ending and the whole last 30 minutes felt a bot rushed to me. Our hero Manu, just has one conversation with a psychiatrist and a social worker and his heart is already changed. I mean, its good but I really don't think its so easy for a straight man to accept it. Also, Maanvi's mother's sudden change of heart was clearly a cinematic liberty.
All in all, this is a good first step in Hindi films. This is a conversation starter and a huge leap of faith by film makers and the actors. Is India ready to shake things up and move out of comfort zone? I don't think so yet, but we can surely hope so. (7.5/10)
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