“It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves – in finding themselves”
(André Gide)
Queen (2014) is a movie you can’t just watch once – the first time you watch you mostly think that the movie is only about how Rani (Kangana Ranaut) is setting on her honeymoon alone. I watched the movie a few months ago and I realized that even though the film is literally about a girl exploring the world, she is, in fact, exploring her own identity more than the world itself. This is what lingers with you long after you’ve watched the film, and this understanding of the film becomes more and more clear as you grow more mature. Here’s why I, as someone who writes extensively about travel, think that Queen should be on everyone’s watchlist. Yes, everyone’s watchlist!
Movie Of The Week: 2014’s Comedy Drama, Queen
Queen: Details And Plot Overview
Queen (2014) is directed by Vikas Bahl, who previously directed the 2011 film Chillar Party. The film, starring actor Kangana Ranaut in the lead role and Rajkummar Rao in a supporting role, was a critical and commercial success, earning the former a National Film Award (Best Actor). In fact, the film has gained a cult following over the years, mostly for its feminist portrayal of the lead protagonist, well-written plot, music, direction, and cinematography that captures some of the world’s best cities.
The movie centers around Rani, a meek, sheltered girl from Delhi. Rani, for most of her life, has been the quintessential ‘good girl’. However, just a few days before her wedding to her college sweetheart Vijay (Rajkummar Rao), he calls off the wedding. The reason being that Vijay’s lifestyle has changed drastically after living abroad and he thinks that Rani won’t be a good match for his ‘modern’ lifestyle. An initially dejected and hesitant Rani then decides to go on her honeymoon alone. What follows is a crazy adventure as she navigates through different cities like Paris and Amsterdam and makes friends for life.
Queen’s Technical Brilliance
What makes Queen one of the best films in recent years is how simple it is. The movie has been made in the simplest manners, without relying too much on the aesthetics. The way the movie has been written and shot is simply – simple. While the film has certainly shot abroad for most of its duration, it does not feel like an insanely high-production film overloaded with random dance sequences and songs. In fact, it feels like you’re secretly peeking into Rani’s life and quietly observing her journey.
The acting performances in this film are too brilliant to not take note of. Kangana Ranaut delivers a commendable performance, carrying the film on her shoulders. In every scene, she conveys just the perfect amount of conviction, not going too overboard or bland. Be it her vulnerable scenes or moments where she experiences joy, you feel like you’re a part of her world.
It’s Portrayal Of Friendships
The film does a wonderful job at also portraying friendships, particularly female friendships. While the world says that a woman is her own enemy, the film shatters this stereotype by bringing in Vijayalakshmi (Lisa Hayden). Vijayalakshmi’s character traits are almost contrasting with that of Rani, but that is how they connect. She helps Rani know herself better without telling her to change her identity for someone else.
Rani’s other friends too do a brilliant job, portraying healthy male friendships. It is with them that she explores Amsterdam on her own terms. They each have their own problems, but they help Rani look at the bright side, especially Taka (Jeffrey Ho).
Vikas Bahl excels in keeping the script tight enough for us to not lose interest and keeps the film as raw, honest, and comforting as possible. There are many shots and scenes in the film that brilliantly capture the protagonist’s inner as well as the outer world.
Why I Think You Should Watch Queen
You Love The Joy Of Traveling
Queen is a movie that you should watch if you are in love with the feeling of traveling and exploring the world on your own. The film, through its protagonist, beautifully captures some of the world’s most stunning cities and locations. Be it the lush and colorful promenades of Amsterdam in the day or the glitzy cobblestone streets of Paris at night, each frame captures these cities in its truest sense.
In fact, these cities don’t just serve as mere backdrops for the plot to move forward. They essentially weave the plot together. They interact with the protagonist in their own way, giving her hope, strength, and freedom. These cities act as protagonists in their own right.
You Wish To Travel Solo
The most important thing that the film teaches us, according to me, is that you don’t really need to depend on someone else for your own happiness. We often tend to depend on other people to enjoy our lives; we seek their validation and care a little too much about what they think.
However, the film tells you that enjoying your life on your own terms is also fun, without depending on someone else. Rani, initially skeptical (and also scared) of traveling alone in a foreign land, eventually lets loose and starts to enjoy the journey. If you’ve been thinking about traveling solo, this film will definitely motivate you to do so!
You’re Afraid Of Taking Risks
We’ve all been in situations where we are a little afraid of taking risks or going the unusual way. Mostly because we are afraid of how others might react or the consequences it will bear. However, as Rani starts enjoying her trip, she starts taking more and more risks. Be it participating in a cooking competition, going on impromptu late night adventures, and even running to the concert venue towards the end of the movie. The movie pushes you to take risks, especially if your gut instincts tell you to do so. After all, what is the worst that can happen?
You’re Stuck Somewhere In Life
I highly recommend that you watch Queen when you feel like you’re stuck in life’s roller coasters. We all feel a little stuck sometimes and hope is the last thing on our minds. But, this is where the film really helps you out. In many instances you end up relating with Rani, especially when she hits rock bottom in her life.
However, her supportive grandmother explains that what she thinks is her ‘rock bottom’ is nothing but a phase in her life – it will end one day. The film gently tells you to look towards the bright side of things, after all, every cloud has a silver lining. It tells you that there is always a way around things, and if not, it is best to go through them.
When I watched the movie for the first time, I wasn’t much interested in traveling or exploring the world. However, the way the characters interact with each other makes you feel like the world is truly a warm and exciting place. The film convinces you to get out and explore the world, no matter what corner of it you’re setting out to.
As Rani travels and explores the ‘new’ world around her, she starts developing a more optimistic approach to life. She starts taking more risks and begins to make friends. By the end of the movie, she embraces her identity, her flaws, and her strengths, and stands up for herself.
You Just Need A Comforting Watch
To be very honest, the film fills like a gentle, warm hug on days when life goes a little rough. The film doesn’t require you to deeply analyze each character’s motive or keep a close eye on the little details like a thriller mystery. It doesn’t have showreels of men punching up other men in the name of action. The film isn’t a grand visual spectacle or an outright boring film either. It is just a comforting watch, making you laugh and cry at the same time. The film is equally fun, thought-provoking, and heartfelt, easily making it a comfort film for many, including myself.
Summing Up
Watch Queen for its honest portrayal of finding and embracing one’s identity. What looks like a generic movie about a woman traveling abroad for the first time is in fact a heartwarming tale of exploring one’s inner world more than the superficial one. So, when are you watching it on Netflix?
