Margarita, with a Straw

"This film is guaranteed to make you cry. But it will also fill you with hope. These amazing women will make you want to inhale life with a new ferociousness."

"The film is unafraid to explore touchy themes like female desire and sexual drive of disabled people...Don't miss the film, or you'll miss what is likely one of the year's strongest performances by a female actor."

"Kalki pulls it off, and makes us believe in her Laila...This is a film to be celebrated. I am raising a Margarita, as a toast. Now where's that straw?"

"The film's emotional affluence is matched by its technical finesse. The art work and locational detailing unfussy and matter-of-fact , as well as the casting of every character is so correct, you wonder how the director got it so right with so little self-congratulations."

"Do not pass up a sip of Margarita, With A Straw. It could be life-altering. If nothing else, it will soak you with its warmth."

"Margarita, with a Straw is a must watch. The film leaves you with a strong sense of wanting to make this world an equal place for all – isn't that what the power of cinema should be used for in a world rife with inequality?"

"The script somewhat over-diligently ticks every possible 'challenge' box, mixed marriages to a Pakistani-Bangladeshi visually affected lesbian. But that small quibble aside, MWAS is deeply moving, a philosophical film which makes you wonder if the body is a palace or prison - and evokes mothers to lovers who've cherished your soul. Try this Margarita - it's different."

"When a film that has a disabled character at its centre, calls itself Margarita With A Straw (and not Chhoone Chali Aasman, as suggested by Taare Zameen Pe's Aamir Khan), you know nothing regular is coming your way. This cocktail is a must-try. And you might just ask for a repeat."

"... is a refreshingly, brutally honest film which ends up making the tiny mistake of adding an emotional, clichéd ending. Although certain scenes in the film could have been infinitely more powerful had the background score been stronger, one must laud Bose's use of deafening silence and Laila's wails in a scene at the hospital towards the end of the film."

"Immaculately casted and beautifully heartfelt 'Margarita, With A Straw' is a movie that takes disability with dignity - a highpoint in today's age of Indian cinema giving humanity and choice its good name back with a degree of sophisticated grace. A must for those who understand humanity and good cinema."

"This is a film that attempts to make us comfortable with the viewing and experience of disability, by exposing us to its protagonist's most monotonous and private moments. Charming title aside, Margarita, With A Straw-though a crushing experience deserves to be watched for her."

"...is that rare film that reaches for the stars with its feet firmly on the ground. Honest, soaring, eye-opening and all the while entertaining, Shonali Bose's little gem of a film is well worth the price of an admission ticket this weekend."

"There's a message that the film is trying to portray: to get nothing in the way of you, your life, and your happiness. Go for it this weekend or you definitely are going to miss a good piece of work."

"It is indeed an individual's journey but in so many ways it is also about love and about losing the ones we love. I watched this film alone and realized that I shouldn't have. Go book your tickets and watch it with people you love, I guarantee you won't be disappointed."

"A dash of reality would have given Laila's journey that much more gravitas and credibility. And the film does go a bit off-focus in the second half. But one still recommends the film wholeheartedly! How often in Bollywood do you see a differently-abled bisexual heroine, one who gets to have her own share of flaws, her romantic adventures, and her journey towards self-actualization? This margarita is intoxicating stuff, even if with a straw!"

"I admit I had more expectations from MWAS, especially after the glowing reviews it had received from almost everyone in Bollywood. But that shouldn't stop me from recommending this movie as a definite must-watch this weekend. After all, don't we always complain about the lack of quality films in Bollywood? Margarita…may not be a masterpiece, but it certainly has its straw…sorry, heart in its right place!"

"The acting is from the top draw, along with Kalki, Sayani Gupta and Revathy fit the bill. With a story that comes straight from the heart, Margarita With a Straw is eminently worth a watch."

"The star cast is pretty good. A special mention has to be made of the ever dependable Revathi, who yet again delivers a convincing act. But of course, it is Kalki who takes your breath away with a superlative performance. Undoubtedly with one of the finest performances in recent years, Kalki lives and breathes Laila with such amazing ease and conviction that she stays in your head for a long time after you have left the theatre."

"The stories eventually boil down to common emotions. As does this film's. Yes, there is a lot of pathos. But there is much joy. And enough empathy. By the end of it you want to go get a margarita with Laila. How does it matter if she drinks it with a straw? She's just as much fun. Yes, so is this picture."

"Should you go watch this film even if you don't know of any differently-abled person in your life? Yes, of course, mainly because this film reminds us that as a society we shy away from way too many things - be it desires of our differently-abled kids or the sexual orientations."

"...is purely an emotional, slice of life film that will draw you with its simplicity. This is Kalki Koechlin's best performance, watch it for her."

"It is for Kalki's fine performance and Bose's commendable effort to treat its lead just like any other person, we recommend watching Margarita, With a Straw."

"...is decent film but it will struggle at the box-office as it caters to a very niche segment of the audience."

"Shonali Bose packs too many emotions into this movie, some unwarranted, which takes away any emotions one might have had as the movie began. Also, she is obsessed with showing Laila (Kalki Koechlin) who is suffering from Cerebral Palsy as this sex maniac!"

"Kalki Koechlin is brilliant in this flawed yet heartfelt film... Ultimately, Margarita With A Straw is a film with a lot of heart and a powerful performance from Koechlin, but you can't help feeling that Laila deserved better."