Oct. 04, 2020|India|136 Min.|TV-PG
Genre: Drama;South;Indian
Description: Miss India 2020 is a film that follows the journey of an ambitious Indian woman who relocates to America and faces societal challenges, including sexism and competition, as she builds a tea business rooted in her cultural heritage. The narrative centers on Manasa Samyuktha, a middle-class woman from Lambasingi, near Araku in Andhra Pradesh, whose family moves to San Francisco after a tragedy strikes. Her brother takes on the responsibility of supporting the family, while Manasa draws inspiration from her grandfather’s Ayurvedic tea recipe, known for its healing properties.
Despite the family’s relocation to the U.S., the story lacks a strong sense of cultural contrast, often making it feel as though the characters are still in India. Manasa’s mother frequently reminds her of their middle-class background, emphasizing the need for both siblings to contribute financially, even though their new lifestyle suggests stability. This disconnect weakens the film’s exploration of cultural adaptation and the immigrant experience.
The movie struggles to maintain engagement, as the plot meanders and fails to fully develop its themes of overcoming adversity and challenging societal norms. While the core idea of a woman breaking barriers is compelling, the storytelling falters, leaving the audience less invested in Manasa’s journey. Overall, Miss India 2020 attempts to address important issues but falls short in execution, leaving its potential untapped.
Cast director: Narendra Nath
Cast actor: Keerthi Suresh, Jagapati Babu, Rajendra Prasad, Nadhiya, Naveen Chandra, Kamal Kamaraju, Pujita Ponnada, Sohail Sameer, Naresh, Sameer Hasan
Original name: Miss India