Director Lijin Jose, who made a promising debut in 2012 with Friday, returns with another hyperlink film called Her, streaming on ManoramaMAX. This film follows the lives of five women from the same city and how their paths cross on a single day. Archana Vasudev’s debut screenplay gives equal importance to all these characters, but the issues they face feel familiar, especially in this post-Covid era where stories about women are gaining more attention.
The film begins with Ami (Aishwarya Rajesh), who is preparing for an important government job interview while dealing with a messy relationship. Her story highlights the lack of accessible public toilets for women and the discomfort caused by unwanted attention. Next, we meet Reshma (Remya Nambessan), a film producer and content creator, who is portrayed as a savvy opportunist rather than a struggling entrepreneur. Through a satirical lens, we see her navigating the industry with clever tricks, making her a refreshing character with both strengths and flaws. Overall, while Her touches on important themes, it sometimes struggles with cohesiveness in storytelling. Her also introduces other characters like Sreelakshmi (Riya Saira), a housewife who struggles with societal expectations and the pressure to conform, and Arathi (Sreelekha Mitra), a single mother facing the challenges of raising her child alone. Each character’s journey is interwoven with the others, creating a tapestry of women’s experiences that resonate with the audience.
While the film attempts to shed light on various women’s issues, it occasionally falls into the trap of clichés. The portrayal of struggles, such as workplace harassment and the quest for independence, feels somewhat repetitive. However, the film’s strength lies in its performances; the cast delivers heartfelt portrayals that bring depth to their characters. Ultimately, Her is a commendable effort that highlights the importance of women’s stories. Despite its narrative flaws, it serves as a reminder of the shared struggles women face and the strength they exhibit in overcoming them. The film may not break new ground, but it contributes to a growing conversation about women’s lives in contemporary society.
