Girls Will Be Girls is not your typical coming-of-age tale. Directed by Shuchi Talati, this unapologetically raw and refreshingly feminist film dives into the turbulent waters of teenage girlhood, exploring desire, rebellion, and identity with rare honesty. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival 2024 and winning accolades across international circuits, Girls Will Be Girls is as much a cinematic triumph as it is a cultural moment.
A Coming-of-Age Drama That Doesn’t Flinch
Set in the conservative backdrop of Dehradun, Girls Will Be Girls follows Mira, a 16-year-old girl navigating the chaos of adolescence, caught in a tug-of-war between control and freedom. Her mother, played by the brilliant Kani Kusruti, imposes the kind of strictness that stems from her own unresolved desires and internalized societal norms. The film expertly captures the psychological tug-of-war between generations, expectations, and personal awakening.
Preeti Panigrahi delivers a breakout performance as Mira, infusing the character with vulnerability, rage, and rebellion that feel heartbreakingly real. The mother-daughter dynamic is layered and complex—tender one moment, brutal the next.
Direction That Dares
Talati’s direction is fearless. She crafts an atmosphere that is intimate yet intense, often blurring the line between the gaze and the self. The film’s themes—female agency, sexuality, and emotional inheritance—are explored without sensationalism. Instead, Talati presents girlhood with a kind of honesty that Indian cinema rarely dares to.
Her collaboration with co-producer Richa Chadha and co-writer Shuchi Talati herself shows in the film’s voice—sharp, self-aware, and strikingly original. The script doesn’t shy away from awkward moments or moral gray areas, which is precisely what makes it so compelling.
Visuals Rooted in Reality: Shooting Locations
The film was shot extensively in and around Mussoorie and Dehradun, Uttarakhand—locations that perfectly capture the film’s blend of scenic innocence and small-town repression. The misty hills and boarding school corridors act as both a literal and metaphorical prison, trapping Mira in a world that’s both picturesque and stifling.
The production team used real homes and local settings rather than sets to retain an authentic feel, bringing an added layer of believability to the story. The visuals, paired with the muted, natural color palette, enhance the film’s intimate tone and emotional weight.
A Soundtrack That Speaks Volumes
The music in Girls Will Be Girls plays a subtle but powerful role. The soundtrack—sparse and mood-driven—doesn’t distract but rather accompanies Mira’s emotional shifts. It complements the narrative rather than dictating it, giving space for the silences to speak just as loudly as the songs.
Final Verdict: Fierce, Feminist, and Fearless
Girls Will Be Girls is a game-changer in Indian indie cinema. It’s not just a film—it’s a statement. Bold in its storytelling, beautiful in its execution, and deeply resonant in its themes, this is the kind of movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. Shuchi Talati has given us a film that is both a mirror and a magnifying glass—one that reflects uncomfortable truths and zooms in on the messy, marvelous experience of girlhood.
If you’re looking for a coming-of-age film that doesn’t hold back, this movie is a must-watch.
