Over the years we have seen dozens of boys-centric movies that go all out expressing the ‘moj masti’ of the gang. And in reply, the last time Bollywood decided to a girl version of the same was Veere Di Wedding. Yeah. Five years later, “Thank You For Coming” is here with the same motive. It is not your average rom-com; it’s a hilarious and daring exploration of a topic we rarely see on the big screen – female sexual pleasure. Directed by Karan Boolani, this film aims at celebrating women’s empowerment and the bonds of friendship. And while it is a fun watch for those looking for a fresh take on love and intimacy, it is equally imperfect, with a lot of room for improvement.
Plot
So we have Kanika Kapoor (Bhumi Pednekar), a 32-year-old woman who has never experienced an orgasm in her life. Raised by a single mother, Kanika embarks on a journey to find the perfect man right from her ‘kachchi umar’ to her 30s, leading to a series of humorous, unsatisfying and ’embarassing’ encounters. On her 30th birthday, Kanika decides ki bohot hogaya ab and spills her intimate secret to her besties, Tina Das (Shibani Bedi) and Pallavi Khanna (Dolly Singh). She even gets engaged to her friend Jeevan Anand just for the sake of it. But her engagement party takes an unexpected turn when she finally experiences a climax, only to forget the identity of her mysterious partner, because she was just so drunk (!!). Cue ‘solution jo mila toh saala question kya tha pata nahi’ from Aal Izz Well.
Performances
Bhumi Pednekar as Kanika Kapoor is just as good as it gets. Her portrayal is bold, brave, and relatable, capturing the frustration and yearning of a woman in search of physical satisfaction. Sushant Divgikr‘s performance as Rahul is commendable, adding an important angle to the story. The supporting cast, including Dolly Singh and Shibani Bedi, shines in their roles, but have only a little to work with, and hence the movie fails to highlight the strength of female friendships. The film’s extended cameos, including Shehnaaz Gill, Kusha Kapila, Karan Kundrra, and Anil Kapoor, are there to gently go with the flow, and add to the fun of it all. Overall, sabne theek-thaak kaam kiya.
Direction and Writing
Karan Boolani does just about enough to keep the audience entertained throughout the film. The humor is a mix of witty (first half) and cringe(second half) and the plot wanders off from the main theme a lot. Co-written by Radhika Anand and Prashasti Singh (yes, Comicstaan waali), the screenplay struggles at times to deliver a clear message. Nevertheless, the film succeeds in infusing meaning into a sex comedy without resorting to excessive vulgarity. It also bravely tackles the taboo subject of female sexual desire and the importance of open discussions. But the problem is, it doesn’t stop at that. From body shaming, to the social struggles of a single mom, to the patriarchal conditioning of girls from a young age– the movie covers so many topics that it gets difficult for you to feel for everything. Had the film focussed on just one theme, it would have worked wayyyy better imo.
Screenplay and Cinematography
The film’s screenplay is fluid and effectively centers around its characters. While male characters play secondary roles, they contribute positively to the story. NGL, the film does have a lot of clichéd moments, especially in its portrayal of mean girls and the excessive use of shots to let loose. But the biggest bummer is the lack of female friendship in the movie. It is declared that they’re besties bachpan se, but you don’t see that bond. Tina and Pallavi’s struggles are shrugged aside to focus only on Kanika, and that doesn’t feel right. Needed more of their bond to actually feel for them. Cinematographically, “Thank You For Coming” captures the vibrant essence of Delhi and its culture. The visuals complement the narrative, creating an engaging and relatable atmosphere.
All in all, the film aims to celebrate the power of female friendship and the importance of open conversations about desire and pleasure. And while it does succeed in parts, its approach of tackling a bag full of themes is where it faulters. Cliched stereotypes and a predictable climax aside, “Thank You For Coming” remains a helpful addition to the ongoing discussion about female empowerment and sexual liberation in cinema, but there’s still a long way to go. Ultimately, it encourages viewers to embrace their own happiness, making it a good one-time watch for those seeking a fresh perspective on love, intimacy, and relationships.
