Taali Review: Sushmita Sen starrer is a missed opportunity

Taali, one of the most talked about shows of the year, premiered on OTT on August 14. Headlined by Sushmita Sen, it explores activist Sreegauri Sawant's life and struggles. Taali had garnered attention as fans were eager to see how it would tackle the seldom-discussed issue of gender identity. So, did the 6- episode series about a landmark legal case and a popular personality do justice to the subject? Let's find out. 

3 things you need to know

• Taali highlights how transgender people function in society.
• Sushmita Sen's look as Sreegauri Sawant is praiseworthy.
• The show features transgender actors, a step in the right direction.

Hot Take

Director Ravi Jadhav brings a unique tale to the audience with Taali. The title does a good job of reminding one of the hijra community. However, the show isn't a lowdown on gender identities and the politics surrounding it. It focuses on Sreegauri Sawant and her decision to come out as a trans person. It also highlights the legal battle that helped the community get recognition as the third gender in 2014.

Taali had potential but ends up being a forumula-based biographical drama that centers on its subject. It is evident the show relies on Sushmita Sen to drive the message home. At times, the actor becomes bigger than the subject. As a result, it merely serves as a star vehicle that is devoid of any subtext, nuance or novelty. 

Does Taali live up to the hype?

Take Sushmita Sen out of the picture and the show has very little to offer. The actress slips into the role with ease and is dynamic as Sreegauri Sawant. Some good prosthetics make her look the part. She lends both vulnerability and ferocity to the character. These traits are the mainstays of the community's battle for representation and equality. However, for a show that could have raised awareness about the third gender by depicting their psychological battles, Taali doesn't rise above a routine affair. It merely presents a take on the disadvantages of being a trans person in society.

(Sushmita Sen plays transgender activist Sreegauri Sawant in 6-episode series Taali | Image: X)

The issues faced by the marginalised community -- sexual exploitation, mistreatment and the lack of sensitization--- are well known. The show makes no effort to go beyond the obvious. The director dramatises scenes while Sushmita does the heavy lifting. However, this is something we have seen previously as well.

It is all about set pieces

Ravi Jadhav relies on set pieces rather than a rounded narrative. It serves a purpose for a short duration but does not give the viewer food for thought. For instance, a scene depicting Sreegauri's battle to give a deceased ally a respectful farewell works well. However, the makers fail to bring out the impact it has on her life. Sreegauri sheds a tear and moves on. So does the narrative. Events that seem significant in shaping her life come and go, without leaving a lasting impact. 

(Ankur Bhatia plays the role of a gay activist in Taali. His character is not fleshed out | Image: X)

The show constantly jumps from scene to scene. The connection seems missing throughout. We empathise and emote with Sreegauri during specific moments, but not beyond that. The heavy dependence on the lead actress' performance is its biggest flaw. Sushmita delivers but the others are burdened with poorly fleshed-out characters.

Stream it or skip it? 

Taali should have been more than a routine biopic. Nothing in the show is noteworthy, except Sushmita Sen's performance. Even her poetic dialogues fail to leave the necessary impact. This show about identity doesn't really have one of its own. 

Bottomline

Unfortunately, Taali is skippable. It skims through the important conversations around queer representation and opts for a templated narrative. The predictability sinks in from the start and stays throughout. Sreegauri Sawant's journey is certainly commendable but, the show, not so much.

Rating: 1.5/5