Watch Margarita with a Straw

Margarita with a Straw is a coming-of-age drama film that was released in 2014. The movie stars Kalki Koechlin, Revathi, and Sayani Gupta. The film was directed by Shonali Bose who co-wrote the screenplay along with Nilesh Maniyar. The story revolves around a young girl named Laila (Kalki Koechlin), who is suffering from cerebral palsy. Despite her physical limitations, Laila is a determined and independent girl who wants to experience life to the fullest. She is a creative writing student and is very close to her mother (played by Revathi).

The story follows Laila's journey as she falls in love with a blind girl named Khanum (played by Sayani Gupta) during her time studying in New York City on a scholarship. The film touches on many important themes such as disability, bisexuality, family relationships, and identity.

Throughout the movie, Laila explores her sexuality and comes to terms with being bisexual. Despite initially being shy about her feelings, she finds the courage to pursue a relationship with Khanum. Their relationship faces a series of challenges and struggles, but ultimately, their bond strengthens because of it.

The movie also delves into the relationships between Laila and her family. Her parents struggle to come to terms with her sexuality and her desire to live independently. Her mother, however, is consistently supportive of her, despite her father being hesitant at first. This familial conflict is a significant part of the story, and Laila's journey is not just one of self-discovery but also one of reconciliation with her loved ones.

Aside from the themes of diversity, the film also deals with one's relationship with one's own body. Laila is constantly challenged by her cerebral palsy and the limitations that come with it. However, she also learns to be grateful for her body's abilities and the things she can do despite her condition. This concept is highlighted in the final scenes of the film, which emphasize Laila's acceptance of herself.

The performances of the actors in Margarita with a Straw deserve special mention. Kalki Koechlin delivers one of the best performances of her career as Laila. The way she embodies the life of a person with cerebral palsy is both honest and respectful. Meanwhile, Revathi delivers a fantastic portrayal of a concerned but encouraging mother. Sayani Gupta is also excellent in her role as Khanum. Her sensitivity and vulnerability make her character all the more likable and relatable.

The cinematography of the film captures the spirit of New York City, which is where most of the story takes place. Director Shonali Bose uses the urban environment to symbolize Laila's pursuit of freedom and independence. On the other hand, much of the movie takes place in India, which is where Laila's home and her relationships with her family reside. This contrast between the two environments contributes to the sense of belonging that Laila desires to find throughout the film.

In summary, Margarita with a Straw is an excellent movie that handles its sensitive and complex themes with great care. The performances of its lead cast members and the beautiful cinematography make it an engaging and touching film. Moreover, the story is thought-provoking and moving, and it is a must-watch for anyone looking for a heartfelt and inspiring drama.

Margarita with a Straw is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 63.