Atrangi Re is a romantic movie that uses schizophrenia as a plot device. The movie was never advertised as one that would serve the purpose of destigmatizing the mental illness but it seems like a missed opportunity given the oblivious-to-the-plot audiences it had managed to pull. In fact, it often plays on the ableist tropes that exist in our society to propel the story forward and not once does it attempt to redeem itself of it. Usage of the word 'pagal' for Sara's character or a psychiatrist actually saying she should be put in a museum because of her disorder or the entire reasoning behind giving her medication rests on "ladki chahiye ki nahin" are some stark examples of this. All without a single attempt to condemn this attitude at any point in the film. Even the resolution relies on convenient existing tropes and never actually gets into the actual cure.
The film is centered around Dhanush's character, his tragedies, his desires. Despite being a doctor, he treats the manifestations of Sara's psychosis with envy. While one could have argued this was his way testing whether she does really love him à la Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, the treatment of the illness throughout the film and specially in the climax shows otherwise.
Besides the problematic way in which the illness was dealt with, the film very often becomes predictable and requires a good amount of suspension of disbelief. The climax revelation, while beautifully shot, was already spoiled in its entirety halfway through the film.
What does work, however, is A R Rahman's soulful music. He is the true winner of this film. As for performances, Sara takes her time to get comfortable in her character but eventually she shines in many scenes of the film. This is her best performance till date. Dhanush's portrayal of his character would frequently remind you of his character from Ranjhana. Nonetheless, he owns this films. There's also the interfaith marriage subplot which works in parts. Direction is good too.
The film is centered around Dhanush's character, his tragedies, his desires. Despite being a doctor, he treats the manifestations of Sara's psychosis with envy. While one could have argued this was his way testing whether she does really love him à la Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, the treatment of the illness throughout the film and specially in the climax shows otherwise.
Besides the problematic way in which the illness was dealt with, the film very often becomes predictable and requires a good amount of suspension of disbelief. The climax revelation, while beautifully shot, was already spoiled in its entirety halfway through the film.
What does work, however, is A R Rahman's soulful music. He is the true winner of this film. As for performances, Sara takes her time to get comfortable in her character but eventually she shines in many scenes of the film. This is her best performance till date. Dhanush's portrayal of his character would frequently remind you of his character from Ranjhana. Nonetheless, he owns this films. There's also the interfaith marriage subplot which works in parts. Direction is good too.