Trailer Review: Is 'Shakeela' the next 'Dirty Picture?'

Looks like Christmas won't be bitterly cold this year. The credit for elevating the mercury level goes to Richa Chadha's new film Shakeela. The actress will be getting into the shoes of Shakeela, a real-life adult star from the south. The film's trailer has already made everyone desire for more. Moreover, it has left the audience compare Shakeela to Vidya Balan's The Dirty Picture. It seems that people will be having pre-conceived expectations while watching Richa Chadha on the big screen.

What's Shakeela All About?

The film's trailer is easy to comprehend and makes people understand the basic storyline. It showcases how a girl from an ordinary family makes a name for herself in South Indian cinema. However, her journey towards stardom is vulnerable to the malicious devices of the film industry. Known for her remarkable performances in Masaan and Gangs of Wasseypur, Richa Chadha shows a lot of promise. With Pankaj Tripathi as the male lead, the audience does expect many expectations. While Richa Chadha exudes sensuality, Pankaj Tripathi gives everyone some 'bad boy' vibes. He plays the role of a South Indian superstar who finds Shakeela's success threatening.

Can Do Better

After watching the trailer, I felt that Shakeela has a lot more to it than it seems to be. Richa Chadha's colourful, sensuous avatar beside Pankaj Tripathi's toughness makes it worth watching. His dialogue delivery while wearing a kaala chashma is quite intriguing. However, I felt that the trailer could have done better in terms bringing out retro vibes. 2020 doesn't look like the late 90's. Shakeela was a popular actress who was none for 'soft porn' in those times. But Chadha doesn't look like someone from that glorious era.

I couldn't help but compare Shakeela to The Dirty Picture. Both the films featured leading actresses who portrayed adult stars. People unapologetically called Shakeela the "Sasta Dirty Picture." Only Christmas will tell which one's more "sasta" than whom.

Anoushka Das is an intern at SheThePeople.TV.