Girls Will Be Girls Redefines What it Means to Come of Age
Girls Will Be Girls, directed by Suchita is a deeply moving movie that acts as a mirror reflecting the awkward, messy, and often painful journey of growing up.
At its core, Girls Will Be Girls explores what it truly means to “come of age,”. Let me tell you—it’s not the sugar-coated, sanitized version we’ve seen before. Instead, it’s an unflinchingly honest depiction of a young girl grappling with the world, her sexuality, and above all, her relationship with her mother. As a result, the film delivers emotional intricacy, impeccable performances, and staging that serves as a masterclass in storytelling.
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Mira and Anila: A Relationship That Hits Close to Home
The heart of the film lies in the volatile and deeply layered dynamic between Mira (Preeti Panigrahi), a whip-smart teenager who “can’t stand” her mother, and Anila (Kani Kusruthi), a quintessential Indian mother whose entire sense of purpose is tied to her daughter. Mira’s resentment isn’t born out of rebellion for rebellion’s sake but out of the suffocating closeness of their relationship—a closeness that feels more like a noose than a comfort.
Preeti Panigrahi, in her debut role as Mira, delivers a performance so raw and unfiltered that you forget you’re watching a character on screen. She doesn’t just act; she inhabits Mira. Every line of dialogue, every fleeting expression—whether it’s the quiet disdain when her mother fusses over her or the vulnerability when her guard slips—feels achingly real. This is, without a doubt, the best debut performance of the year.
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And then there’s Anila, played with heartbreaking authenticity by Kani Kusruthi, an actress whose portrayal encapsulates so much of what we recognize in Indian mothers. Her world revolves around her child, leaving no room for herself as an individual. This dependency leads to moments of tenderness, yes, but also frustration and guilt. Anila is not the villain of the story, nor is she a martyr—she’s just human, and it’s this humanity that makes their relationship feel so relatable.
The Staging: A Silent, Emotional Storyteller
What stood out most to me, apart from the performances and scripting, was the staging. Suchita’s direction uses every frame, every set piece, and every camera angle to communicate what words cannot. The physical distance (or lack thereof) between Mira and Anila in scenes speaks volumes about their emotional state. For instance, a seemingly mundane moment in the kitchen becomes a battleground of unspoken resentment when Anila makes three cups of tea but serves only two, asking Meera to get hers by herself.
It’s in these quiet details—the way a room is lit, the deliberate blocking of characters, the lingering silences between dialogue—that the film does its heaviest lifting. Suchita doesn’t over-explain; she trusts her audience to pick up on the subtle cues, and that makes Girls Will Be Girls a deeply engaging watch.
The Layers of Emotional Detailing
This isn’t a story about “good” or “bad” people; it’s about flawed individuals trying to navigate their own emotional messes. The film doesn’t just show us what’s happening on the surface—it digs deeper, exploring the societal expectations, and the insecurities that drive both Mira and Anila’s actions.
Preeti Panigrahi: A Star is Born
If there’s one reason to watch this film, it’s Preeti Panigrahi. Her portrayal of Mira is the kind of performance that makes you sit up and take notice. She brings a realism and conviction that feels like a breath of fresh air. Mira’s anger, her vulnerability, her quiet moments of self-reflection—all of it is so authentic that it almost feels voyeuristic, as though we’re intruding on someone’s private life. For a debut performance, this is nothing short of extraordinary, and I can’t wait to see what Panigrahi does next.
Girls Will Be Girls challenges the way we look at relationships, growth, and womanhood. It’s unafraid to show the ugly, uncomfortable parts of life, and that’s precisely why it resonates so deeply.
With Suchita’s assured direction, a script that doesn’t miss a beat, and performances that linger in your mind long after the credits roll, this is easily one of the most powerful films of the year. Girls Will Be Girls doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you feel it—and that, in my book, is the mark of truly great cinema.
I can’t stop talking about films, so I blog!
I started The FourthWall, my film blog, to share my thoughts on films and shows with fellow movie buffs, and over the years it has become my happy place. Come join in for some interesting conversations on cinema… and sometimes books and fashion!
