Double XL Story:-
In the bustling streets of London, two women stand tall against the relentless barrage of body shaming and societal expectations as they chase their dreams against formidable odds. Will their determination triumph over the weight of society’s judgments and hurdles strewn along their path?
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 4 November 2022 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Drama |
| Cast | Sonakshi Sinha, Huma Qureshi, Zaheer Iqbal, Kay Eluvian, Seana Momsen, Sankalp Gupta, Karis Pentecost, Florbella Francisco-pedro, Al Groves, Sinead Hegarty, Jenna Kerns, Cher Myra, Eve-Yasmine Saoud-Easton, Moa Wikberg |
| Director | Satram Ramani |
| Writer | Mudassar Aziz, Sasha Singh |
| Cinematography | Milind Jog |
| Producer | Mudassar Aziz, Ashwin Varde |
| Production | T-Series, Wakaoo Films |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Raised in Meerut, Rajshree Trivedi (played by Huma Qureshi) harbors a fervent ambition of becoming a sports presenter despite nearing her thirties and battling societal stereotypes about her weight. Her mother’s incessant pleas for her to marry “before it’s too late” serve as a constant reminder of the pressures she faces. Meanwhile, Saira Khanna (portrayed by Sonakshi Sinha) appears to be on the brink of realizing her dreams with a supportive boyfriend and a vision to launch her own fashion label. When a leading TV network greenlights Saira’s idea for a fashion documentary in London and considers Rajshri for a sports anchoring role, it seems like their aspirations are finally within reach. However, their journey takes a tumultuous turn as they confront a series of setbacks and unforeseen challenges.
Body shaming emerges as a pertinent theme in the narrative, demanding attention to the societal affliction. Writer Mudassar Aziz and director Satram Ramani carefully select their subject matter and cast, yet the execution falls short, akin to Saira’s disjointed fashion documentary. The initial half of the film meanders through unnecessary distractions, much like Sonakshi Sinha’s character’s superficial adornments, and relies on clichéd stereotypes portrayed by supporting actors, resulting in disappointing performances. Even as the plot progresses, the storyline fails to resonate, relying heavily on contrived coincidences that diminish the authenticity of the protagonists’ struggles. For instance, their seamless transition to a foreign land with an ill-prepared crew for filming feels implausible. The film’s narrative feels didactic, repeating the same message across various scenarios without delving deep enough to evoke genuine emotions. Consequently, the central theme of combating body shaming and societal norms loses its impact, leaving the audience disengaged.
Huma Qureshi’s sincere portrayal of Rajshri breathes life into the film, capturing her character’s emotional journey with depth and conviction, complemented by her physical transformation for the role. Conversely, Sonakshi Sinha’s character lacks the depth to evoke empathy, despite her earnest efforts. The screenplay shines brightest when the two leading ladies share the screen, showcasing their chemistry. Zaheer Iqbal’s portrayal of the flamboyant Zorawar Rehmani feels more grating than endearing, while debutant Mahat Raghavendra exhibits promise in his role as Srikanth. The presence of veteran actress Shubha Khote adds a nostalgic touch, and Alka Kaushal’s portrayal of Rajshri’s apprehensive mother is commendable. However, the film’s soundtrack fails to leave a lasting impression.
As a concept, Double XL presents a refreshing and relevant narrative, tackling the pervasive issue of body shaming with boldness. However, its potential is undermined by lackluster writing and mediocre execution, resulting in a film that falls short of its promise.
