Recently, Sharmila Tagore shared her candid thoughts on the latest movie ‘Crew,’ featuring a star-studded cast led by Kareena Kapoor, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon. During a YouTube conversation on the channel Dil Se Kapil Sibal, Tagore, who is Kareena’s mother-in-law and a veteran actress herself, expressed mixed feelings about the film, calling its storyline “absurd” but notably praising the chemistry and camaraderie among the three leading women.
The film ‘Crew,’ which turned out to be a box-office sensation earlier this year, stood as a significant example of women-centric cinema achieving commercial success. Tagore’s remarks came up in a broader discussion about the progress and representation of women in contemporary films. She didn’t shy away from criticizing the film’s implausible plot, saying, “It is absurd, of course, beyond belief. But there are three women pulling off this adventure. One is landing a plane, one is breaking a safe… doing all kinds of things together, and the camaraderie between the three is excellent because they say a woman is a woman’s worst enemy; not so here.”
Sharmila Tagore’s critique spotlighted the implausibility of certain plot elements. However, her comments about the solid bond between the female leads highlighted a shift in the often stereotypical portrayals of female relationships in films. The movie showcased Kareena Kapoor, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon in roles that diverged from traditional cinematic tropes, presenting them as more empowered and cooperative.
In another interesting development tied to the movie ‘Crew,’ actor-producer Anil Kapoor provided his insights into the significance of women-led films in the industry. Kapoor, whose production ventures have often trended towards progressive themes, candidly discussed the importance of such films not just for box office success but for cultural impact. Kapoor, who has backed films like ‘Aisha,’ ‘Veere Di Wedding,’ and now ‘Crew,’ underscored his optimism about the success of women-driven narratives.
Directed by Rajesh A Krishnan, ‘Crew’ also features notable actors like Diljit Dosanjh and Kapil Sharma. The film’s production was a joint effort by Balaji Motion Pictures and Anil Kapoor Films & Communication Network. Reflecting on the film’s success, Kapoor said, “I’m so happy that ‘Crew’ was such a big success not only in the theatres but even on Netflix. It did fantastic numbers.”
Kapoor emphasized the necessity of pushing the envelope concerning film content.
. “This is the reason why it is important to continue working so that we can do these things which other people are afraid to do. If we have the opportunity to make these films, some will work, some won’t but at least we should try to make these films,” he added. He specially praised his daughter and co-producer, Rhea Kapoor, for her fearless approach to presenting women as leading figures in her projects. “Rhea has made films with girls and presented them like leading men. More than 95 percent of the work that she has done has been successful. She is understated, she doesn’t do publicity. There are certain people who are creative and do a lot of innovative things but keep quiet about it. Rhea is one of those people,” he noted.
Rhea Kapoor’s creative courage has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of ‘Crew,’ adding layer and depth to its overall impact, both artistically and commercially. By challenging industry norms and conventional storytelling, she has set a valuable precedent for future filmmakers.
Sharmila Tagore’s blend of critique and praise has sparked conversations about the differences between male and female portrayals in cinema. Her appreciation for the solidarity among the film’s female leads stands as a testament to evolving gender dynamics on screen. Anil Kapoor’s enthusiasm and proactive approach further underscore a growing recognition of the importance of representation and bold storytelling in the Indian film industry.
As discussions around ‘Crew’ continue, the movie’s success and the dialogues it has initiated offer a promising glimpse into the future of women-centric cinema. Both critical and commercial reception together signify an important trajectory towards more diverse and inclusive storytelling in Bollywood. This emerging focus on narratives driven by strong female characters has the potential to redefine mainstream cinema, making platforms for stories that resonate with wider sections of the audience.
With both iconic actresses like Sharmila Tagore lending their voice to constructive criticism and celebrated industry veterans like Anil Kapoor advocating for bold narratives, ‘Crew’ stands as a compelling subject of discussion, not just for its entertainment value but for its role in the broader canvas of cinematic evolution.
