Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway

I wanted to feel more, or at least feel something, for the anguish of these parents separated from their children. I wanted to root for Debika as she fought for the return of her children...

Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway counts upon the virtuoso Rani Mukerji in the titular role to win the day, but remains mired in melodrama despite its true-life origins.

Even a woman as sympathetic and strong-willed as Mrs Chatterjee can’t carry a two-hour plus film alone.

The problem with Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway is that even as an obviously manipulative, emotionally rousing film, it fares poorly. The fault lies as much in the filmmaker’s rendition as in her interpretation.

In an energetic but clumsy retelling, director and co-writer Ashima Chibber only gives us surface-level characters, which exist to serve a story that feels like it's been both embellished and simplified for the silver screen.

If you’ve ever been a parent, it’s almost guaranteed to outrage you and sometimes tug at the heartstrings.

Watch Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway for its sensitive dramatisation of a real-life case. And for the superlative acting displayed by Rani Mukerji, and the entire ensemble cast.

Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway ruins a lot of audience good will meant for the title character by making her look entitled to some of her awful actions. Assaulting a law enforcement officer and kidnapping don't mean that you should win a child custody battle.

Rani Mukerji is one of the Hindi film industry’s most gifted artistes, but is no match for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’s over-cooked writing and direction.

No doubt, it’s a significant tale of a mother’s battle to regain her children but I wish it was told in a less cranky manner. It felt like a gross miscarriage of creativity and opportunity.