Bollywood’s preoccupation with constantly referring to a condom as a chhatri or an umbrella was something I could never understand. Repeatedly hearing it makes me squirm, but it also sort of defeats the whole point of making movies about these themes. Furthermore, choosing a taboo subject and producing a movie about it can be pretty risky if you don’t stay to the agenda and don’t cut straight to the point. Thankfully, Tejas Prabhaa Vijay Deoskar’s Chhatriwali, starring Rakul Preet Singh, doesn’t stray far from the plot and adheres to a clear structure. While there are numerous imperfections, they can be largely overlooked due to the humour and lighter moments throughout.
The story starts when Sanya Dhingra (Rakul), a home-tutoring chemistry graduate, accepts a position as a condom tester at a Karnal company named “Can Do Condoms,” keeping the news from her mother, sister, husband, and in-laws. While she’s at it, Sanya realises that using condoms, or even careers related to their manufacture, is truly a way to save lives and prevent women from choosing abortions and miscarriages due to unintended pregnancies. When her in-laws find out the truth at home, Sanya doesn’t give up and keeps fighting to spread the word about safe sex and, most importantly, sex education for young people.
