Sherni (2021)

Vidya Vincent, a newly appointed DFO struggles to find her place and solution to crisis in jungle amongst the villagers, politicians and is on a mission to save tigress which everyone wants a piece of.

Vidya Balan plays her role with finesse. It's evident that she is capable of captivating you not just with her acting skills alone. She doesn't need to be a standardized bollywood heroine for you to appreciate every scene she is in. You feel her frustration, helplessness, anger and sheer will from the screen. Vijay Raaz is as always marvellous to watch, he and Vidya are not just partners in the mission but also on screen. This unconventional duo is amazing.

But the big surprise and one of the best part is Sharat Saxena. Glad to see him get a role that fits him. He looks the part he's playing which is a hunter under guise of conservationists and makes your blood boil effectively.

Other co actors including extras as villagers do a fine job. Ila Arun was wasted in her small role.

The movie is also very well shot. CGI in some places was shabby but for the most part acceptable. Background score is great. Dialogues are expertly written, some dark jokes scattered wherever needed.

The director tries to shed a light on various other issues apart from the main plot, like arm chair activists vs real activists but it doesn't always work. Some media clichés I felt could've been avoided. But one thing he does very well i.e. Saluting the hard working officers in field of our forest department.

I doubt this movie will win awards but it should. Sherni is an important movie that everyone should watch. Perhaps it will inspire young minds to take the challenging career in our forest department.