'Lipstick Under My Burkha' review: The stellar performances give the movie its true colour

Life for a woman, in a maledominated society, is heavily prescribed. In such a restrictive mode of existence, could one be an undercover rebel and realise one’s unfulfilled wishes? If such a possibility materialises, would it be acceptable to society? Director Alankrita Shrivastava’s film explores these thoughts through credible performances and a brave, engaging and heartfelt narrative.

Four women—an adolescent girl, an adult woman in a parlour, a married woman in a sales job and a formidable old woman in a grand old mansion — represent different stages of womanhood. The young girl ( Plabita Borthakur) lives in a conservative Muslim family where a strict adherence to convention may seem civilised, but in truth, is restrictive. The adult woman ( Aahana Kumra) is besotted with a glib and shifty photographer, but her mother finds a stable partner for her. Then, there is a woman (Konkana Sen Sharma) who caught in a loveless marriage, becomes a pleasure machine. Finally, in a chance encounter, an old lady ( Ratna Pathak Shah) meets a man who reignites passion in her. In each of these narratives, what one woman gets, the other craves. Sen Sharma and Pathak Shah’s performance especially stand out.



Three elements make the film exceptional, entertaining and dramatic. By juxtaposing the narrative of dirty stories with events that unfold, the emotional graph of the movie reaches remarkable heights. Besides this, the director subtly challenges stereotypical expectations of
behaviour from women at a particular age. The older woman craves for intense passion, while a mature woman desires moments that are far from carnal.

All these women set out to accomplish what they want to achieve. All in all, this film is a nuanced — and welcome—addition to those rare films that showcase the full potential of women.