Baipan Bhari Deva

Almost two decades ago, filmmaker Kedar Shinde planted an idea in the minds of viewers through his film Aga Bai Arrecha! The 2004 film explored what it would be like if men could hear the thoughts of women. In 2023, Shinde takes the thought ahead with Baipan Bhari Deva, in which the women speak their minds and share what they feel, without anyone having to have the power to read minds.

Written by Vaishali Naik and directed by Shinde, this film is a revelation of sorts. It unfolds through the journey of six sisters from different age groups and of different temperaments. It’s for the viewer to find out the answers to ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ this story progresses, but simply put, this film takes you on a beautiful ride as these six women who are poles apart share the stories of their lives, the ups and downs and the things that got left behind in the process for themselves.

Baipan Bhari Deva is a rainbow of emotions- the six characters signifying six colours and the writer, Naik, signifying the seventh. Through the stories of Jaya (Rohini Hattangadi), Shashi (Vandana Gupte), Sadhana (Sukanya Kulkarni), Pallavi (Suchitra Bandekar), Ketaki (Shilpa Navalkar) and Charu (Deepa Parab), the film becomes relatable as it brings everyday conversations and things that you would’ve seen happening around you to the screen. Each of these characters are busy with their respective lives but something brings them together.

While Naik and Shinde handle their departments brilliantly, it is the six actresses who stand out with their performances. Vandana Gupte delivers a touching performance, and you can’t take your eyes off her when she’s on screen. Rohini Hattangadi commands the screen with her presence and without having to say a lot. Sukanya Kulkarni’s energy is infectious while Suchitra Bandekar and Shilpa Navalkar portray polar opposites with aplomb. Deepa Parab leaves a lasting impression despite having less screen time.

Some scenes in the film do feel stretched and that affects the experience a little, but the film fills those holes with its performances. To sum it up, Baipan Bhari Deva is an important film not only because it’s relatable for women, but also because it helps men understand womanhood.