Fatafati (UA-7+)

Phullora Bhaduri, a talented tailor from the suburbs, faces ridicule for her weight. Can she overcome the odds and become a fashion influencer with her gift for design?

"Fatafati," directed by Aritra Mukherjee, skillfully tackles the perils of fatphobia and skinny-worshipping while maintaining a balanced approach to size positivity. The film's message emphasizes body neutrality, recognizing that women are more than just their physical flaws or beauties. Ritabhari Chakraborty delivers a standout performance as Phullara, a plus-sized seamstress-turned-influencer who, with the support of her brother-in-law, starts a body-positive social media page. Swastika Dutta shines as Biki Sen, a fashion and wellness influencer who consistently body-shames Phullara. The film's first half may seem slow, but the drama intensifies in the second half as Phullara's husband faces job loss and her mother-in-law falls ill due to a questionable diet. "Fatafati" sensitively handles themes like eating disorders, weight loss, and abuse, striking a grounded and relatable tone. The screenplay strikes a good balance between aspiration and realism, although its lengthy 171-minute runtime and excessive songs could have been trimmed. Ritabhari's portrayal is captivating, and her personal connection to the themes adds depth to her performance. While some may view it as a one-time watch, "Fatafati" shouldn't be overlooked for its creative merits. It offers laughs, drama, and an engaging narrative that explores important societal issues. If you're looking for an entertaining film with a meaningful message, "Fatafati" is worth your time.