Film: Miyan Biwi Aur Banana
Cast: Sahil Vaid, Parul Joshi, Skye Linhart, Vinod Nahardih, Swapnil Shrirao, Beena Malje, Vinod Nahardih, Rahul Mishra and Sonam Arora
Director: Nina Shrivastava
Rating: * * *
Yet another Women’s Day offering, this short film starring Sahil Vaid (Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya) and debutante Parul Joshi, tackles the twin issues of menstrual hygiene and environmental protection. So obviously it is promoting biodegradable sanitary pads made from Banana fibre ( that’s why the titular reference).
Director Nina Srivastava uses light doses of humour, fantasy and drama to tell this story of a radical reformer from Australia, Victoria Landi, using locally produced Bananas as the raw material for Sanitary pads she is producing. Stigma, protectionism, patriarchy play spoilsports in this story about progressive social reform. Eventually, of course, Vicky is able to convince the locals about her noble intentions supported by one newly married couple Lokesh(Sahil) and Gauri(Parul), from the village, who are willing spokespersons for her yeoman effort!
This is a well-directed, succinct and clearly illuminating exercise in public service advertising. Eye-pleasing cinematography aids the attempt to strongly exhort change of behaviour from affected women caught in the bind of a social malaise that can affect not only their health but also that of the environment around them.