Tumhari Sulu is a heartwarming, consistently entertaining little film which grows on you as it goes by and makes you embrace it even despite its flaws. The film tackles themes of marital life, gender roles and differences, especially in relation to women's careers in conservative societies, and it does so with simplicity and heart. The protagonist of this film is a simple housewife who is in constant search of fulfillment, and a great opportunity arises when she auditions for a job as a radio jockey and is taken. Many said it's about chasing your dreams; I think it's more about one fulfilling oneself and one's potential at each and every stage of one's life.
The film is a pleasant and refreshing film experience, it is authentic, funny, lighthearted, and it has no heroes or villains. Some scenes, including the arguments in Sulu's house about the decency of her job are brilliantly done. So is the portrayal of Sulu's growing career against her husband's increasing professional struggle. While the radio parts are well handled, I still wish the film had given us greater insight of this world other than just what we see on the surface. Sadly, some of the parts with Sulu's boy at school and the proceedings that follow it veer more into the melodrama genre and feel a little forced.
Vidya Balan shines through. Sulu is a unique screen heroine - unassuming but strong and outgoing, honest to the core and just so passionate about life even in the tiny pleasures it gives. In one scene Sulu says she enjoys everything she does, and it couldn't be truer. With humour and soul, Balan brilliantly captures this adaptive nature of Sulu, her verve, positive energy, and this penchant to constantly try and realise her potential. Manav Kaul is first-rate as her supportive, sensitive husband, and Neha Dhupia is lovely and pleasant as the kind boss. Tumhari Sulu ends on a fantastic note after several hard-hitting scenes. I'm sure the film will win hearts for encouraging viewers to achieve self-fulfillment.
