A Comprehensive Review of the Miss India Film on Netflix - An Analysis of Critique and Viewing Experience

The release of Miss India on Netflix in November 2020 stirred up mixed reactions among viewers. While some found the film to be an empowering journey of a young woman, others, including myself, were left thoroughly disappointed. In this article, I will delve into the nuances of the film, exploring its strengths and shortcomings, its themes, and the experience it offers to the audience.

Overview and Initial Impressions

The film, with a title that evokes a familiar trope, immediately leads to different perceptions. Expecting a biography filled with real-life events, I was intrigued by the storyline that veered off into an unexpected direction. The plot primarily follows a young woman’s journey to start a business with minimal support, emphasizing female empowerment. However, the execution leaves much to be desired.

Script and Production Quality

The script of Miss India has been widely criticized for its lack of depth and coherence. One of the major criticisms is the inconsistent accents and English usage. The characters, despite being in San Francisco, speak with a strange European accent, and this inconsistency is evident in their lip movements. Moreover, the use of Siri’s voice for some American character lines underscores the lazy scriptwriting.

Character Development and Story Arc

The story, while aiming to boost young women’s spirits, fails to deliver a cohesive narrative. For instance, the introduction of Keerthi’s older sister, who is disowned for getting married secretly, is a narrative choice that doesn’t serve the story well. This sister’s character doesn’t appear again, leaving the audience with unanswered questions. The rapid success of Keerthi’s business, such as buying a car, opening franchises, and rivaling a major coffee chain in less than an hour, is portrayed without proper groundwork, making the plot feel rushed and unrealistic.

Empowerment vs. Critique

While Miss India is a film that champions female independence and empowerment, these elements are somewhat undermined by the film's other shortcomings. The character’s journey to success is not backed by realistic and believable actions, which can effectively challenge and inspire viewers. The film’s attempts to explore themes of mental health, as evidenced by Keerthi’s father having Alzheimer’s, are few and poorly executed jokes.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Miss India is a film that could have been a compelling exploration of female empowerment if the script had been more meticulously crafted. While the idea of a protagonist who overcomes obstacles is appealing, the execution falls flat. For those who wish to waste a couple of hours, Miss India may entertain with its basic premise of female empowerment but is not without its issues. In the realm of streaming films, it's more of a cringe-fest than an engaging watch.