Watch Soni

Soni is a 2018 Indian drama film directed by Ivan Ayr. It stars Geetika Vidya Ohlyan, Saloni Batra, and Vikas Shukla in the lead roles. Set in modern-day Delhi, the film tells the story of Soni, a tough and determined young police officer, and her superintendent Kalpana, as they navigate the complexities of their job and personal lives in a city plagued by violence against women.

The film opens with Soni (Geetika Vidya Ohlyan) patrolling the streets of Delhi at night. She is confident and fearless, but also quick to anger and impulsive in her actions. She gets into a heated argument with a man who is harassing a woman on the street and ends up assaulting him, leading to disciplinary action by her superiors.

Meanwhile, her boss Kalpana (Saloni Batra) is struggling to balance her work and personal life. Her marriage is falling apart and she is dealing with a health issue that requires surgery. She tries to maintain her focus on her job, but the constant pressure and stress are taking a toll on her mental health.

As the film progresses, we see Soni and Kalpana dealing with a series of difficult cases involving violence against women. Soni tries to get through to young girls who are being harassed on their way to school, while Kalpana investigates a case of a young woman who has been burned alive by her in-laws for not bringing enough dowry.

The film is a powerful commentary on the pervasive violence against women in Indian society. It challenges the notion that women are weak and in need of protection, and instead portrays them as strong and capable of defending themselves. Soni's character, in particular, is a refreshing departure from the stereotypical portrayal of women in Bollywood films. She is tough, outspoken and unapologetic, while also being vulnerable and flawed.

The film's cinematography is striking, with long takes and natural lighting that capture the gritty realism of Delhi's streets. The use of sound is also effective, with ambient noise and the constant hum of traffic serving to immerse the audience in the film's world.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its performances. Geetika Vidya Ohlyan is outstanding as Soni, conveying a wide range of emotions with subtle gestures and facial expressions. Saloni Batra is equally impressive as Kalpana, portraying a woman who is struggling to hold it together in the face of overwhelming pressure.

Overall, Soni is a powerful and thought-provoking film that tackles important social issues with maturity and nuance. Its focus on strong, complex female characters is a welcome departure from the norm in Indian cinema, and its depiction of Delhi's streets as a site of endless struggle is haunting and unforgettable. Highly recommended for anyone interested in socially conscious cinema.

Soni is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 68.