Review: Konkona Sen Sharma and Aditi Rao Hydari Shine in ‘Ajeeb Daastaans,’ a Compelling Anthology that Displays Unsettling Human Reality


Cinema has changed with new times, for which a lot of credit goes to the filmmaker who is ready to bring out the stories that needed to be shown. Due to the OTT platform, many filmmakers can be more active and creative in showing their art than we have seen in recent times.  The anthology is adopted by many filmmakers who unite to give an important message that can be hard-heating or thought-provoking. A recent release on Netflix, “Ajeeb Daastaans,” is another addition to that.

“Ajeeb Daastaans” tells its arc within four stories, and is a must-watch anthology. Below we discuss the stories within the anthology and the impact of the film overall. 

‘Majnu’

The first story focuses on a local kingpin, Babloo (Jaideep Ahlawat), who has to forcefully marry local politician daughter Leepakshi (Fatima Sana Shaik). The marriage is arranged, and Babloo makes it clear on the first night that he does not expect love from her and does not wish to get involved in her. The condition makes her seek love outside, which she finds in newly recruited employee Raj Kumar ( Armaan Ralhan). This action of a women seeking love causes the most common feeling of jealousy and brings out the violent consequences. The chaotic situation at last forms the strangely delightful story.

Directed and written by Shashank Khaitan, “Majnu” takes on sanctimony, ardor, and impulse. The story plays with social standards, judgments, and presumptions from a married couple from supposedly well-respected families underneath it. It has its moment that capture a small town’s story from the politics involved. Yet, “Majnu” feels short in capturing its deepness. What holds the story most is a performance of its talented cast such as Jaideep Ahlawat, who stands out yet again, along with Fatima Sana Shaikh. In the supporting cast, Armaan Ralhan also delivers a good craft of acting. Overall the drama of oppressive inclinations is not more than tepid.

‘Ankahee’

The film’s second story is about a married couple Natasha (Shefali shah) and Rohan (Tota Roy Chowdhury). Their teenage daughter is slowly losing her sense of hearing. While Natasha is a concerned mother, she starts and adapts the use of sign language. Her husband Rohan is not ready to give the situation time and wants a quick solution. 

While their marriage is going through a bumpy stage, she seeks solicitude in a deaf-mute photographer, Kabir (Manav Kaul), who is good in sign language. Their relation does not have sound, yet it syncs suitably. Empathetic and effortless, the short story shows well of what goes on in a marriage rendered rocky by a change of kismet, and in the hearts that find love that seems unblended and literal compared to anything else. If nothing else, it shows that life has a way of springing strange surprises.

Directed by Kayoze Irani and written by Uzma Khan and Sumit Saxena. Ankahi, “Ankahee” touches on things that are beyond the standard way of communication. One of the creative elements displayed by Irani is the way the lead protagonists convey themselves flawlessly in the absence of verbal conversation, which helps you grasp their happening. The story takes a brief look at matrimonial flaws with affinity. It frames a subtle representation of its characters’ requirement for endearment.

Shefali Shah deserves special attention for her excellent performance, as well as Manav Kaul; their chemistry in the film is perfect. The story deals in quietness and quivers, sentiments and shaky pronouncements, along with gesticulation, signals, put down feelings, and inner burst. “Ankahee” also showcases a delightful soundscape that contemplates the ambivalence that is at play here.

‘Khilauna’

The short story “Kilauna” focuses on an urban underclass young woman, Meenal (Nushrat Bharucha), who works in other’s houses to make ends meet and her small sister, Binny (Inayat Verma). A typical day for Meenal typically consists of working long hours. Yet, in her free time, she talks with the clothes ironing guy, Sushil (Abhishek Banerjee). However, when the power goes out at her house, she goes to men who offer her a job. However, it turns out the intention of the men was not of good faith, and the story hints of abuses then underwent. As a pawn in a mean and cruel world to people like Meenal, she must find a way to get back the power to her house.

Directed by Raj Mehta and written by Sumit Saxena, “Khilauna” takes on the lower class fight for their basic needs. The story is thought-provoking and unsettling and speaks on modern-day reality.  Nushrat Bharucha is excellent in the role of Meenal, showcasing that she is beyond commercial cinema. The supporting cast of Inayat Verma and Abhishek Banerjee are equally good.

‘Geeli Pucchi’

“Geeli Pucchi” follows the life of Bharti (Konkana Sen Sharma), the only woman working in an all-men factory. Factory men mistreat her due to her class and social caste, which are considered low. Bharti’s usually not-so-good life changes when a new employee and upper-class girl Priya Sharma (Aditi Rao Hydari), joins the factory. While the two are initially unalike, in their male-centric place of work they stay cooperative and talk about the fear and struggles of their lives.

“Geeli Puchhi” successfully exhibits a narrative of social class, physicality, and femininity. Neeraj Ghaywan and Sumit Saxena direct and co-write this story, which tackles deep into the insides of social prejudice that reflects the heterogeneity of uniformity. Some of the hardships they endure are open and straightforward to behold, while others are more secretive and intimate.

Konkana Sen Sharma is blazing in the role of Bharti, showcasing the character’s inner thoughts in her performance. On the other hand, Aditi Rao Hydari perfectly displays her role with a perfect blend of quietness and innocence. Viewers can easily connect to their portrayals, present in every line the two actresses deliver and with every expression they display.  The short film is produced with a sensational lightness of connection and exactness; illumines a community soak in enfeebling solidify manner.

“Ajeeb Daastaans”—as the name suggests—takes on a story that is an unsettling reality we live in. Each story carries a different critical message that will give viewers needed thinking. The stories take a deep dive into common yet complex subjects like resentment, dispensation, preconception, and toxicity. The narratives take on critical issues of social and human relationships through unique societal prospects. Each filmmaker, writer, and actor has displayed such work to make each second worth watching.

“Ajeeb Daastaans” is undoubtedly a must-watch anthology film this weekend that is now streaming on Netflix.