"Sister Midnight," starring Radhika Apte and Chhaya Kadam, is a film that defies easy categorization, landing somewhere between a deadpan comedy, a psychological exploration, and a surrealist nightmare. Directed by Karan Kandhari, the film presents a wildly original and unfamiliar world, careening off on tangents that may leave some viewers struggling to comprehend its eccentric narrative.
The story revolves around Uma (Radhika Apte), a young bride who finds herself trapped in an arranged marriage with Gopal (Ashok Pathak) in the bustling city of Mumbai. Uma is uprooted from her home and thrust into a life she doesn't understand, residing in a cramped, one-room chawl. Dissatisfied with her marriage and the stifling domestic expectations, Uma rebels against the conventional norms. She is temperamental, clueless about household chores, and openly expresses her discontent, much to the bewilderment of her mild-mannered husband. Gopal, overwhelmed by Uma's presence and her constant provocations, often retreats into alcohol.
Uma finds solace and camaraderie with her neighbor, Sheetal (Chhaya Kadam), a happily married woman who shares her humorous perspectives on the shortcomings of men. As Uma grapples with boredom and frustration, she takes on a cleaning job, which triggers a series of bizarre and unsettling events, marking her descent into what some might describe as animalistic urges.
Radhika Apte delivers a powerhouse performance as Uma, embodying the character's inner turmoil and monstrous femininity with ferocious intensity. She seamlessly navigates the tonal shifts of the film, handling delirious comedy and unpredictable emotional transitions with remarkable ease. Apte's portrayal is fearless, shedding vanity and embracing the anti-heroine nature of Uma, never attempting to elicit sympathy but also never allowing her to become sub-human. Chhaya Kadam, as the supportive neighbor Sheetal, provides a grounding presence with her wry and matter-of-fact delivery.
The film uses Mumbai as a character in itself, mirroring the chaos within Uma. The city's vibrant, chaotic, and turbulent transitions reflect Uma's own mood swings and inner state. Cinematographer Sverre Sordal employs a controlled visual design and frontal framing, while the anachronistic soundtrack by Paul Banks adds to the film's fabular quality.
"Sister Midnight" is not a film for those seeking a straightforward plot or easy answers. It's an experimental piece that embraces absurdity and challenges conventional storytelling. While its messaging may sometimes feel garbled, the film's storm of creativity and Radhika Apte's unhinged performance leave a lasting impact. Some viewers may find the film's tangents hard to follow, while others will appreciate its boldness and originality. "Sister Midnight" is a dark, twisted, absurdly comic, surreal, and terrifying genre-bender that will undoubtedly provoke thought and discussion.
