Jun. 02, 2020|India|33 Min.|R
Genre: Bollywood;Drama;Family;Kids;Thriller;TV;Movie
Description: **Natkhat (2021) – A Short Film About Gender Equality**
Natkhat, meaning “The Brat,” is a 2020 Indian short film directed by Shaan Vyas and co-written by Vyas and Annukampa Harsh. The film features Vidya Balan as a mother teaching her young son about the importance of gender equality. It premiered on YouTube as part of the We Are One: A Global Film Festival and was also selected as the opening film for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was held virtually from October 23 to 30.
The film was shot in Harda, Madhya Pradesh, with interior scenes filmed in Mumbai. Notably, most of the cast members had no prior acting experience. Sanika Patel, a young girl, played the lead role of Sonu. Critics praised the film for its powerful message. Shubhra Gupta of *The Indian Express* described it as a “valuable addition to films that challenge patriarchy and expose its damaging effects.” Jyoti Sharma Bawa of *Hindustan Times* commended Vyas for effectively depicting a world where women lack agency and men derive power from toxic masculinity. She also praised Vidya Balan for her nuanced performance and Patel for matching her vulnerability.
In the film, Vidya Balan portrays a mother who, despite societal suppression, refuses to let her seven-year-old son embrace male entitlement. Reflecting on her role, Balan acknowledged the pervasive influence of patriarchal mindsets, even in modern times. She expressed gratitude that the film was a short one, as its discomforting narrative was impactful yet concise.
Natkhat is a thought-provoking film that highlights the struggles of women in a patriarchal society while encouraging viewers to reflect on the importance of gender equality.
Cast director: Shaan Vyas
Cast actor: Vidya Balan, Raj Arjun, Atul Tiwari
Original name: Natkhat