Last year saw two prominent movies taking socially relevant topics and telling a story that subverted expectations. Jana Gana Mana was one, and Gargi was the other. 'Gargi' follows the events surrounding the eponymous character after her father is accused of gang raping a minor. What follows are the endless rounds of court, media trials, and the instant judgement meted out by people and social media.

Gargi gives a glimpse on how we as a people can lose all sense of rationality, perspective, and right and wrong in this era of information overload. On the other hand, it also reminds us of the old adage of not judging a book by its cover; of how we can jump to conclusions based on some preconceived notions that we grow up with, especially when it comes to caste, professions, and other basic things.

The story is fairly tight, with very little procrastination. The direction and score is decent. However, this movie is all about performances, especially that of Sai Pallavi as the titular Gargi. And, she does the character great justice. Showing strength and vulnerability in equal measures. While she shines in moments where she is supposed to face up to the judges, media, and people, it is in her private moments that she truly shows her class. R.S. Shivaji, as the accused portrays the helpless father with great aplomb. Kaali Venkat as the, at times. clueless but determined lawyer helping out Gargi wins our hearts.

Overall, Gargi is a movie I'd definitely recommend.