Review: Tighi: Mature, Honest & Tender!
The true strength of Marathi cinema lies in its content-driven stories and powerful performances. Rather than relying on big budgets, Marathi films win the audience’s hearts through impactful narratives and realistic storytelling. Addressing social issues, exploring the complexities of relationships, and portraying human emotions with sensitivity are some of the defining features of Marathi films. Strong storytelling, sensitive direction, and compelling acting have given Marathi cinema a distinct identity. Debutant director Jeejivisha Kale proves these points right with her film Tighi. Tighi (Three Women) explores the complex emotional bond between a mother and her daughters in a dysfunctional family.
Swati (#NehaPendseBayas), who lives in Mumbai with her unemployed husband (#PushkarajChirputkar), is going through a financial crisis. Her lecherous boss (Jaimini Pathak) tries to exploit her vulnerability as she owes his company a couple of million rupees. Meanwhile, her mother Hemlata (#BhartiAchrekar) is hospitalized in Pune for cancer treatment, and Swati rushes there from Mumbai. Her younger sister Sarika (#SonaleeKulkarni) is furious because Swati has been absent from their lives for several years. All three women have their grievances against each other, and tempers often flare in the house. The lingering tension between the mother and daughters slowly unfolds and is ultimately revealed in the climax.
Jeejivisha Kale’s story is gripping, while the taut screenplay by Nikhil Mahajan and the dialogues by Prajakt Deshmukh emerge as major strengths of the film. The director’s sincerity is evident from the beginning, and she keeps the narrative simple yet effective, ably supported by crisp editing. The interspersed humour further enhances the film’s engagement. The climax is ‘bold’ yet handled with utmost sensitivity without going overboard. The music, especially the background score, plays an important role in heightening the tense moments without overpowering the scenes.
The trio in Tighi has done a splendid job and moves through the narrative in perfect emotional sync. Bharti Achrekar is simply outstanding and shines in both emotional and light-hearted moments. Neha Pendse Bayas beautifully conveys the insecurities and vulnerability of her character, delivering a convincing performance, especially through her expressive eyes. Sonalee Kulkarni appears confident in a de-glam role and showcases an impressive range of emotions. The three characters feel so real that they seem like people one might have encountered in life. Jaimini Pathak, Nipun Dharmadhikari, Pushkaraj Chirputkar and others lend solid support.
Honest storytelling, mature direction and tender emotional portrayals make Tighi a compelling watch.
Rating: ****
By Keerti Kadam