Helmet Review: Unusual, fearless subject yet that is sufficiently not enough for entertainment

Around the world, men generally tend to place the burden of birth control on women. This is even though condoms and vasectomy are easy and safe. At the same time, any permanent contraceptive and sterilization options. That are developed for women are complicated. With the potential for serious side effects. This situation is alarming in every country, but in India, where population explosion is a severe threat, it is a particular challenge and a long-standing obstacle to the National Family Planning Program.

In such a scenario, of course, films that encourage condom use are essential.

The helm of scriptwriter and director Satram Ramani. A co-production with actor-turned-model Dino Morea. He is there for a young man. Who has faced many professional doors and finally found himself in the condom retail business due to several circumstances.

The story does takes place in the north Indian town called the Raj Nagar. The hero Lucky (Aparshakti Khurana) is an unlucky ex-wedding singer and falls in love with Rupali (Pranutan Bahl), who makes flower arrangements for Shaadi. Lucky is tired of convincing Rupali’s father (Ashish Vidyarti). That he is a worthy groom. Fate forced him to sell condoms. A product he was too embarrassed to ask at the local chemist shop.

We know that from Stree the Aparshakti Khurana can be really brilliant. We know that about Abhishek Banerjee von Stree and Paatal Lok. And Pranutan Ball’s on-screen presence is just as real here as it was in his debut film Notebook. Ultimately, however, great acting can only come from excellent writing, directing, and editing. And all three are underserved by Slam’s script. Though all three have their moments in the film.

If you want to cover topics like condom use in a country. Where most families haven’t spoken openly about gender and contraception. Then it makes sense to go all-in. However, the Helmet took this initial risk but then endured it. Although an episode in a brothel (with the particularly impressive Anurita Ja). Mentions men’s reluctance to use condoms because they feel it irritates their “mazaa”. It emphasizes the prevailing and dominant impression the film creates. Throughout the story, that of men. Male shyness is the main problem.

Of course, given India’s sexually conservative society:

It would be offensive for an average man to go to the store to buy a pack of condoms. Which is most likely social suicide for a woman to do so in a recognized bar. In this case, the Helmet exactly represents the Indian reality. Given the taboo in the social discourse on contraception.

It is commendable that this film raises the issue at all and educates viewers on how condoms does plays a role in preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In what is considered a turning point for Hindi mass cinema. Helmet recognizes that sex workers play an essential role in society. Even the cursory reference to men viewing condoms as a violation of their sexual desire is remarkable for a mainstream film.

However, the Helmet is careful not to emphasize the last point. (A minor spoiler on that sentence) The magic happened after Lucky found a solution to the social awkwardness that men experience when buying condoms, which shows that this is the main problem. (Spoiler alert ends)

Did the team feel they could embarrass the male-dominated audience:

By rubbing their faces that selfishness, apathy, and inappropriate ideas of masculinity. These are the main reasons most men dislike vasectomy or condoms? Or do they not have the ability to explore the complexities. And show us how men from all over the big cities are made to be sexually responsible?

Whatever the reason, this approach robs me of the potential for great depth and limits the discussion of condoms in films to at most one dimension.

Half of the feelings cover the rest of the script. The title Helm, for example, may seem like a clever play for condom purposes. But the author doesn’t have the steak to extract puns effectively.

Rupali is bright, witty and financially independent. But like Raj in the film Dilwale Dulhania’s Le Jayenge. It is called into the conversation by a strong character. Lucky also doesn’t want to marry her without her father’s approval. But the reasons for her old world but attitude is barely revealed. However, his muffled response doesn’t match the fiery markings we encounter in his introductory scene.