Ardh describes the tale of Shiva Kumar (Rajpal Yadav), a lower-middle-class guy with years of acting talent who dreams of being on the big screen one day. Nevertheless, the film industry is tough, and competing for parts isn’t enough to support a family. To earn a living, he works odd jobs such as dishwashing at a restaurant, laboring on a construction site, putting up posters on city walls, and becoming a spot boy on stages. In the midst of all, he pursues his dream of becoming an actress by donning a saree and putting himself in the shoes of a transsexual ‘Parvati,’ who works at traffic signals and blesses passersby. Only his supporting wife Madhu (played by Rubina Dilaik) and his companion Satya are aware of his hidden truth (played by Hiten Tejwani).
Palash Muchhal, the filmmaker, and his plot have the perfect hearts in the correct spots. In his story about a struggling actor that has yet to achieve the accolades he deserves, he tries to hit on a variety of subjects. Caste and class status are discussed, as well as how they affect one’s ability to dream. One can also witness how the Hollywood industry’s inner hierarchy operates, how good talent succumbs to superficial physical standards, the internal dynamics of discrimination in the workplace, and much more.
Because the scenario of Ardh offers excellent rationale and context, a man who plays a transsexual is justified. Unfortunately, many films that have attempted to portray transgender people on cinema have failed miserably. Muchhal’s perspective also doesn’t utilise Parvati’s persona to dehumanise the society or to elicit obscene laughter at their expense. The treatment is compassionate, rational, and respectable. There are no superfluous jokes disguised as comedy, which is a refreshing difference.
However, the question arises: will portraying a man posing as a transgender person in order to make a living contribute to a stereotype and bigotry towards the group? Will scepticism and the desire to label transgender people as “lazy” be encouraged when there are virtually no work possibilities for them? The story would have benefited greatly from a more detailed presentation of Shiva’s pretence to be a member of society.
When it comes to performance level, Rajpal Yadav makes a lasting impression in Ardh. His performance has the same sincerity as the protagonist who aspires to be an entertainer. He is mostly responsible for the sensitive and compassionate portrayal of Parvati. He is the guy inside his four walls, but as soon as he comes out in a saree, he changes into Parvati, who assiduously blesses passersby and partners at the traffic intersection. Yadav, who has previously wowed viewers in supporting roles, gets main stage in this movie, much like living out his character’s fantasy, and he does not disappoint.
Rubina Dilaik’s Madhu, on the other hand, feels like a genius whose full potential has only been scratched. The actress’ part as a working woman who is also struggling to put food on the table while her spouse pretends to be somebody else he isn’t could’ve and should’ve been developed more, and it came across as a letdown.