147. 90ML; movie review

90ML
Cert 15
131 mins
BBFC advice: Contains drug misuse

Of course, it is laudable that a movie director should spark debate over the gender chasm in India.
However, despite the controversy it has stirred, my problem with 90ML was not Anita Udeep's premise, it is her execution.
It is fair enough that she wants to redress the balance in Tamil cinema by creating a gals' movie but the drawing of her characters is pitifully superficial.
She addresses some interesting subjects including alcoholism, drug-taking, gay relationships and love inside and outside of marriage.
But the turning of the gender tables is too simplistic.
For example, during one scene five fairly naive lasses beat up half a dozen hardened gangsters in the style of SRK or Mohan Lal.
As said, Udeep's point is important but hammered home with a sledgehammer so her outwardly very feminine women get drunk, try drugs, and demand sex from husbands who show little interest.
She argues that if men can make such buddy films, why can't women? I just wonder why she has gone for the lowest common denominator in proving her point.
90ML stars Bommu Lakshmi as Thamarai who tells her surprising story to a drug and alcohol counsellor during a visit with her gangster husband.
It transpires he is at the end of his tether with her because of her antics with a group of friends led by a free spirit (Oviya) who has moved in nearby.
Rita becomes a big influence on a group of friends who have been toeing the line of societal expectations.
Ultimately, the girls break out of the shackles and let their hair down with what would seem shocking behaviour in Conservative society but not head-turning in the West.
90ML is described as an 'adult' comedy because of its references to sex and drugs and rock'n'roll.
But, no, nobody gets their clothes off or even cavorts with anyone inappropriate. Indeed, it is so pale that I can only imagine a naive under-14 being surprised or enjoying it.
Even they would probably shrug their shoulders and say that women deserve better representation.

Reasons to watch: If you are a twenty-something young woman
Reasons to avoid: It is flighty and unfocused

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 5/10

Did you know? The Northern India states of Bihar, Gujarat, Manipur, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep have all instituted prohibition because they attributed mass unlawfulness in their states to the consumption of alcohol.

The final word. Anita Udeep: "I've not tried to show feminism. I've not tried to bash men. I wanted to make a proper commercial film. If a man can make such films, why not try the same thing with a group of women? People who are a little more aware and intelligent will see the subtle layers in the film."

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