By Guruji Sunil Chaudhary, Leading Digital Success Coach

Shukrana, directed by Simerjit Singh, explores the delicate balance between familial duties and personal agency, particularly from the perspective of women navigating patriarchal constraints. Set within the familiar terrain of a joint family, the film features Neeru Bajwa, Amrit Maan, and Jass Bajwa in lead roles, with a narrative that highlights the struggle of young widows against societal prejudices.

The film introduces us to Jeona (Jass Bajwa) and Veeran (Neeru Bajwa), a happily married couple whose lives revolve around their family. Jeona is portrayed as the pillar of his home, ensuring peace and harmony, while encouraging Veeran to continue working after their marriage, an unconventional choice that counters the more traditional voices in the household. However, tragedy strikes when Jeona dies in a freak accident, leaving Veeran, now an expecting mother, to confront societal bias and the family’s unspoken fears about her intentions.

The crux of Shukrana lies in the tension between the family’s interests—its prosperity and reputation—and Veeran’s desire to carve out her own space as a capable woman. The screenplay touches on critical themes such as women’s rights to work and property, but unfortunately, these moments are fleeting. The script struggles with pacing, and while it starts to build momentum with Veeran’s character, the narrative loses focus, quickly sidelining her journey of empowerment.

As a coach who believes deeply in the power of purposeful action and the balance of tradition with personal growth, I felt that Shukrana offered glimpses of the potential for a deeper discussion on these vital issues but didn’t fully commit. The emotional depth of widowhood, the resilience required to stand against societal norms, and the strength in asserting one’s individual rights deserved more attention.

From a performance standpoint, Neeru Bajwa is a standout, delivering a heartfelt portrayal of a woman in turmoil, though her talents are underutilized in the first half. Jass Bajwa, though charismatic, seems slightly restrained, and one hopes to see him embrace more challenging roles with time. Amrit Maan, while more suited to action-packed roles, does his part adequately, though his romantic subplot feels rushed and underdeveloped.

The background score enhances the film’s mood, with Nachhatar Gill’s “Rabba Ve” being a particularly poignant and memorable track. Other songs, such as “Khat” by Ammy Virk and “Nach Lai” by Gulaab Sidhu, Surjit Khan, and Jasmeen Akhtar, round out the soundtrack well but do not elevate the film beyond its limitations.

In the grander scheme of things, Shukrana touches upon issues that are deeply relevant to today’s world, particularly in its portrayal of young widows and their battle for agency. However, the film’s scattered focus and reliance on predictable tropes prevent it from reaching its full potential.

As a guide for living a balanced and purposeful life, I believe this film could have done more to inspire and elevate. Yet, in its own way, it serves as a gentle reminder of the power of resilience and community.

Rating: 3 stars