Watch Counterfeit Kunkoo

Counterfeit Kunkoo is a 2018 Indian short film, directed by Reema Sengupta, and starring Kani Kusruti and Vijay Varma in the leading roles. The movie is set in Mumbai and follows the story of a woman named Smita, who is searching for a house to rent. However, the houses she visits ask for a "married couple only" rule or a "no single women allowed" rule.

This is where the movie delves into sensitive topics of class, gender, and discrimination. Smita, who is a working-class single woman, faces the brunt of these rules, which prevents her from finding a decent house. She finally finds a small room located in a shady chawl.

In her new home, Smita encounters several problems. The toilet doesn't work, the shower is broken, the electricity goes off, and there is no privacy. But what's worse is when her landlord begins to sexually harass her, leaving her struggling to make ends meet.

Smita visits the broker who helped her find the house, and she is given a piece of advice that will change her life. The broker tells her about 'counterfeit kunkoos', fake husbands that help women like her overcome these ridiculous restrictions in Mumbai's housing market. Viewing this as her last option, Smita agrees to the plan, and a man named Mukesh, who is also in dire need of a place to stay, becomes her "husband."

As the story progresses, Smita learns to trust Mukesh and starts to become comfortable with the idea of someone new in her space. However, she cannot help but feel conflicted about the situation she has found herself in. She is lying to the landlords and the rest of the world by pretending to be married when she really isn't. By doing this, she is able to find a more suitable living space, but at what cost?

The film is a bold portrayal of the patriarchal society and the perpetual plights of women. Director Reema Sengupta depicts the struggles of single women in Mumbai, who are forced to deal with age-old prejudices and regressive societal norms. The movie explores themes of desire, violation, and power structures that operate on gender and class lines. The climax of the film leaves an impact on the viewer, with a small, yet significant, gesture of empathy that Smita receives from a complete stranger.

Kani Kusruti delivers a brilliant performance, portraying Smita's emotional depth and vulnerability to perfection. Vijay Varma complements her with a role that highlights Mukesh's confusion and desperation, adding an extra layer to the story. Both actors have exceptional chemistry that makes it impossible not to root for them.

Counterfeit Kunkoo is a short film that defies the norms of traditional storytelling and presents the essence of the struggles faced by a woman who challenges the status-quo. It offers a powerful perspective from which one can understand the daily struggles of women who battle institutionalized oppression because of their gender.

In conclusion, Counterfeit Kunkoo is an emotional roller-coaster that takes viewers through a torrent of feelings. It is a film that raises questions on social norms, gender roles, and the culture of patriarchy. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in powerful storytelling and cinema that dares to challenge conventions. It is a movie that will leave you wondering about the spaces you inhabit and the people you encounter every day.

Counterfeit Kunkoo is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.