'Simran' review: You won't be able to emotionally invest in Kangana as much as you might want to

One of life’s bitter truths is that we can’t often create happiness for others, they have to ‘stumble’ upon it themselves. But by not realising this, families and their expectations make people miserable. Simran shows that those who bear the brunt of this end up with an intense desire to escape.

Simran is the story of Praful (Ranaut), who lives with her parents in the US. She is a non-conformist. Her parents are orthodox and demanding (Kumar, Shahane). When she finds herself with no legitimate options to pay back a massive gambling debt, Praful robs banks under the assumed name ‘Simran’. This has comical, and ultimately, disastrous consequences.




What works for Simran is that it consciously deflects from being a sob story. Conformity surrounds Praful. Because she does not earn enough to afford a house, her father pesters her to get married. Even the match (Shah) her parents find for her is textbook certain about his views. But divorced at a young age and raised in humble circumstances, life has taught Praful that ‘certainty’ adds more woes. The beauty of her character is that she knows it is boring to be consistently sensible. Instead, she makes every effort to live a good life.

Kudos to director Hansal Mehta — he chooses minimalism and humour to present an emotional story. Ranaut shines throughout the film in her portrayal of a feisty woman who holds her own. Apurva A sra ni’s di a log ues add ex t ra quirkiness to most characters.

The film, however, falters on two aspects. One, the robber y scenes seem too smooth to look credible. Second, Simran gets a 10-month imprisonment for robbery. In reality, Sandeep Kaur, who reportedly inspired Simran’s story, got more than five years of jail. Despite such creative liberties, the film offers big on entertainment. If you are in the mood for a light experience, Simran fits the bill.