She is a gynaecologist reputed for her professional skills. About her people skills, the less said the better.
Impatient and abrasive, Geetika (Konkona Sensharma) has few supporters when she is accused of sexual misconduct. The allegations don’t just cause tensions at the hospital outside London where Geetika works – they also drive a wedge between her and her wife Meera (Pratibha Rannta).
The charges of predatory behaviour turbocharge Geetika’s combative instincts. She is hostile towards the appointed investigator Bhargav (Mashhoor Amrohi). Geetika also bristles at Meera’s inquiries – here is somebody who doesn’t like to explain herself, least of all to somebody she expects to be on her side.
But Meera is keeping her own counsel. She’s dismayed by what she perceives as Geetika’s insensitivity. Besides, there is a strong chance that Geetika is guilty.
Accused, out on Netflix, is an unusual movie about MeToo that puts a woman – and a queer woman at that – in the dock. Written by Sima Agarwal and Yash Keswani and directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, the Hindi-English production is an initially sharp, clear-eyed exploration of the abuse of power at workplaces and the corrosive effect of doubt on relationships.
The movie’s gender role reversal is reminiscent of the Cate Blanchett-starrer Tar. While Accused too is curious about the way in which powerful women conduct themselves, the movie’s commitment to the difficult questions it has raised is not as strong or thorough.
The early portions add up to an engrossing and complex character study, while also maintaining suspense over Geetika’s complicity. The move into thriller territory, represented by the private detective Mansoor (Sukant Deo), brings in neatness and order, while also signalling a loss of nerve.
The most compelling scenes are all stacked before Mansoor’s entry. In these portions, Accused is at its most courageous, counselling viewers against jumping to conclusions. The blistering arguments between the couple, Geetika’s sense of entitlement, Meera’s turmoil – director Anubhuti Kashyap assiduously reveals a relationship in free fall because of personality traits that are hiding in plain sight, waiting to be confronted.
Despite a host of other actors, including Aditya Nanda as Meera’s colleague Angad and Monica Mahendru as the hospital manager Simran, Accused is mainly a two-hander between two well-cast, finely balanced actors.
Konkona Sensharma and Pratibha Rannta expertly bring out the differences in appearance and temperament between the heroines. Geetika strides alpha male-like in pantsuits through the hospital’s corridors, her every step signalling ambition and purpose. Geetika is always a facial expression away from exploding – Sensharma brilliantly brings out Geetika’s aggressive body language, hauteur and escalating panic.
Meera, a paediatrician, is softer and gentler, often seen performing tasks at the house she shares with her spouse. Pratibha Rannta is compelling as a woman forced to acknowledge the skewed dynamic with her beloved partner.
The tacked-on, all-too-convenient climax unconvincingly flows from whatever has preceded it. Although Accused is in a hurry to clear the air, the film is strongest when wandering in a fog of uncomfortable truths.
Also read:
The ‘risky’ themes that united Konkona Sensharma, Pratibha Rannta and Anubhuti Kashyap for ‘Accused’
Just 0.2% of readers pay for news. The others don’t care if it dies. You can help make a difference. Support independent journalism – join Scroll now.
We’re not driven by clicks or corporate interests – just honest, independent reporting. Keep us going. Support Scroll today!