Chhatriwali Review: Rakul Preet Singh and Sumeet Vyas’s social commentary promotes ‘safe sex’

Chhatriwali review: After Aparshakti Khurana’s Helmet (2019), Nushrratt Bharuccha’s Janhit Mein Jaari (2022), Chhatriwali is the latest addition to these social dramas that uses humour to deliver a perspective message about the taboo subjects like “contraceptives” and “safe sex”. In this story set in Karnal (Haryana), chemistry teacher Sanya (Rakul Preet Singh) is transformed into a local crusader to destigmatise sex education. To make ends meet, Sanya takes up the job as the quality control head in a condom factory. Initially shy and embarrassed, she becomes comfortable with her unusual choice when Mr Lamba (Satish Kaushik), the company’s owner, makes her understand the importance of this job.

Things take a turn when Sanya falls in love with Rishi (Sumeet Vyas), and they marry without knowing how she earns a living. Instead, she lies to her mother (Dolly Ahluwalia) and in-laws by claiming to work for an umbrella company. The charade is predictable but entertaining right from the beginning. Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar and co-written by Sanchit Gupta and Priyadarshee Srivastava, Chhatriwali is more of a mash-up of the movies Helmet and Janhit Mein Jaari. Many scenes and situations are cliched, from Sanya lying about her job to everyone to the awkward situation Rishi encounters while purchasing condoms. Similar to films made on this idea, the first half of the film is nicely nurtured before the social commentary issue arises, making the second half a slow burn.

The film draws a dubious parallel between using condoms and preventing abortion. Sanya discovers her inner activist and criticises the use of condoms over birth control pills with the catchphrase “mujhse karna hai pyaar, toh condom ko karo sweekar,” sparking a debate among women who find it difficult to speak up. Rakul Preet Singh ably steers this 117-minute-long film. Dolly Ahluwalia has little to do as Sanya’s mother. Sumeet Vyas is excellent as Rishi, a man who loves his wife unconditionally but believes “condoms are for lovers, not for the married couples.” Rajesh Tailang, as Bhaiji, a biology teacher who believes sex education is unnecessary for students, and Prachee Shah Paandya, as his wife, play their roles convincingly. Satish Kaushik is funny as Mr Lamba, but his garish wig is not.

While Sunidhi Chauhan’s Special Edition Kudi is upbeat, the other songs in the movie do not compel you to hit the reply button. Overall, it’s a light-hearted film that is predictable and could have been packaged and delivered more creatively and uniquely. Despite this, Chhatriwali is watchable with the right intent.