‘Will it even fit you?’, ‘Oh, you won’t get it this size’, ‘Sit on this side of the auto to balance it out’, ‘Another serving?’ – Sentences like these might sound just normal but not to the person it is targeted towards. Body shaming, body stereotypes are way beyond meagre subtle matters. It pinches like a needle to those targeted. That’s what Abir Chatterjee and Ritabhari Chakraborty’s film ‘Fatafati’ was aimed at. But was it done the right way or did it turn preachy? Let’s discuss.
Abir Chatterjee AKA Bachaspati is a middle-class salesperson at a clothing shop. He is synonymous with ‘husband goals’ and loves his wife Phullora (Ritabhari Chakraborty), irrespective of how she and others feel about her. She perfectly fits into the ‘bouma’ card and is a tailoring expert. She has a loving husband and non-problematic mother-in-law but has to hear a few taunts here and there. But, by now, she has developed the habit of taking things with a pinch of salt. But. She is obese and life ain’t easy. The auto driver refuses her as a passenger and a neighbourhood fashion influencer (Biki Sen) is idealised by all because she fits into the ‘perfect figure’ bill. But is life only around weight? That’s where stereotypes seep in.
The first half of the film lays the foundation for an evolved second half. Phullora is body shamed, and ridiculed but has found her own tribe in women with similar weight issues. However, one thing that sets Phullora apart is her will to take charge of her life and a supportive husband. She takes on life as it comes and steadily becomes an influencer, who cleverly hides under the garb of masks and fans to share her take on body positivity. The second half of the film is where the meat lies.
Abir Chatterjee, famous for his intense roles, slips with ease into the shoes of a soft-spoken introvert. He is exceptional when showcasing the emotional growth of his character when he encounters Phullora, who instills in him an appreciation for real beauty and unconventionality. As for Ritabhari, the actress has put in a class act and has made the film her own. Already known for her spellbinding performances, she stands tall with her confident portrayal of a body-positive character and deals with her emotions with subtlety and depth.
‘Fatafati’ is a decent deviation from usual films on body image issues and body positivity that you see. The film pushes boundaries by tackling societal norms about physical appearance and size. It builds a captivating narrative around self-acceptance and love, conveying to the audience that beauty is not skin-deep and is subjective, changing with individual perspectives. By representing a plus-size protagonist in a refreshing, positive light, the creators challenge the stigmas and body-shaming culture perpetuated by society.
The film's dedication to presenting a potent message about body positivity is indeed praiseworthy. Its carefully crafted script integrates humour and romance with social issues, leading to a wholesome cinematic experience. Supporting actors provide the necessary depth, enhancing the overall viewing experience with their stellar performances.
However, 'Fatafati' does have a few shortcomings. The excessive number of songs and lengthy discussions on weight issues take away from the overall impact of the film. Additionally, the portrayal of plus-sized women as only good-hearted friends rather than exploring greater diversity in their characters is a missed opportunity.
In conclusion, 'Fatafati' would have been a total fatafati (fantastic) film, if not for a few misses. But full marks to director Aritra Mukherjee and makers Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy for attempting a film on body positivity, addressing body image candidly.
‘Fatafati’ is more than just a tale of platonic love; it is a story of fighting body image issues and finding self-acceptance. This film shows that it's crucial to look beyond societal norms and appreciate the beauty within. If you are in the mood for some wholesome Bengali entertainment, coupled with family drama, and of course, your love for Abir or Ritabhari, then the film surely deserves a chance, for how wholesome it is!
Source: India Today