“Taali” Review: Sushmita Triumphs In 90s Style Trans Tale

Rating: 3 out of 5.

“What’s the first thing you would do if you were crowned Miss Universe?”

“Surgery” responds Sushmita Sen as transgender protagonist Gauri, during a first episode interaction in the 2023 web series “Taali”.

The subtle joke lands well due to its duality, as the actor’s been candid about plastic surgery and the character undergoes gender reassignment surgery.

Created by Arjun Singgh Baran, Kartik Nishandar, and Afeefa Nadiadwala Sayed, “Taali” is a dramatized account of the real-life transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant, powerfully portrayed by Sushmita Sen. Spread over six episodes, the first edition is almost pitch-perfect in setting the tone for the protagonist’s turbulent journey from a dreamy-eyed boy named Ganesh to the fierce femme Gauri, who fights for transgender rights. From her modulated voice, vibrant rich sarees, and bold red bindis, Sushmita takes the reins of the show right from the outset.

Episode one begins with a brief flashback of a preteen Ganesh, who wishes to be a mother when he grows up and is drawn to feminine things, to the chagrin of his policeman father. We are then introduced to Sushmita Sen as Gauri, one of the petitioners in the Supreme Court case demanding that transgender individuals be legally recognized as a third gender in the country. Maya Rachel McManus plays Amanda, a foreign reporter interviewing Gauri, who begins to tell her gender transformation in a series of flashbacks.

While the make-up team convincingly adds a slight touch of masculinity to Sushmita’s visage for an authentic portrayal of a transgender person, the same cannot be said for the flashbacks where Sushmita herself plays a slightly younger version of Gauri. The make-up screams a gaudy 90s aesthetic, with her face appearing overly cakey, topped off by a horrendous wig that makes her resemble a celebrity impersonator at an 80s disco party. Similarly, Krutika Deo’s portrayal of the teenage Ganesh wasn’t very convincing. Despite the compelling story, the execution falters in episodes two and three. It makes one wonder if the makers should’ve just stuck to showing viewer’s Gauri’s struggles as a trans activist, instead of mawkish depictions of her younger versions.

Nandu Madhav’s portrayal of Ganesh/Gauri’s cop father, Sawant, is stirring. Unlike the typical representations of violent onscreen cop fathers who resort to punishment, Ganesh’s father never hits his son. Instead, he takes him to a doctor, hoping that some pills will help make his son more masculine. So, there’s still cruelty at play, and the fractured father-child relationship stands out as one of the high points of this series.

Sushmita Sen transforms into Gauri in “Taali” (Source: Jio Cinema)

“Taali” gains intrigue and momentum starting from episode 4, when Ganesh’s transformation into Gauri is complete, and she finally embraces her feminine identity through surgery. While many high-profile actors are known to immerse themselves in the practice of “method-acting,” attempting to embody every facet of their character, especially if it’s based on a real individual, Sushmita Sen doesn’t mimic activist Shreegauri’s way of speaking. Instead, she brings her own poise and flair to the character, which significantly enhances her performance. Sushmita transforms from being a simple naïve young transwoman, to an intimidating force to reckon with.

The final episode adopts a distinctly cinematic tone, replete with melodrama and theatrics. Gauri and her community ardently stand up for their rights, refusing to endure the indignities of being treated like invisible outsiders by the heteronormative majority. Ego, anger, wrath, threats, and protests unfold. Yet, a certain disconnect exists between the flashbacks and Gauri’s current legal battle at the nation’s highest court for the recognition of transgenders as a third gender in India. Although the series intertwines Gauri’s intricate relationship with members of her own community, both close friends and adversaries are depicted in a rather generic manner, failing to evoke genuine warmth or chilling hatred. The script does attempt to showcase both sides of the coin – there are trans women aspiring to uplift their lives, while others resist, confined to the oppressed roles of prostitutes and streetlight beggars.

In its endeavour to encapsulate the protagonist’s entire life within six episodes, while also delving into the issue of transgender rights, “Taali” struggles to thoroughly explore its themes of gender roles. Nonetheless, it is a laudable effort towards inclusive representation of sexual minorities. The story concludes on a triumphant note, with Sushmita Sen striding into the sunset as Gauri, a spirited woman of substance, whose actions contribute to a historic chapter in India’s LGBTQ+ history.  

Stream the series on Jio Cinema.

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