Margarita with a Straw 2016
Directed by
Shonali Bose
Made by
Wolfe Releasing
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Margarita with a Straw (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Laila, portrayed by Kalki Koechelin, is a vibrant teenager grappling with cerebral palsy who navigates life in a wheelchair. A student at Delhi University’s Ramjas College, she aspires to be a writer and channels her creativity into crafting lyrics and electronic sounds for her indie band. Despite her challenges, Laila is both talented and sexually active. She engages in a complex relationship with another student, Druv, played by Hussain Dalal, who is also wheelchair-bound. However, Druv harbors resentment towards Laila for having friendships with “normal” peers such as Sameera and Nima.
Laila relies on her mother, Subhangini, for transportation in their family van to college while being supported by her loving father and her brother, Monu. At college, she maneuvers her electric wheelchair around campus, yet struggles with the fact that others often treat her differently when accessibility issues arise, such as when elevators are out of order.
While Druv expresses a desire for an exclusive relationship, Laila is hesitant, asserting that she isn’t ready to give up her connections with others. She embraces her sexuality, watching adult content and exploring her desires. Her musical talent shines when she helps lead her college band to victory in a competition, only to face the disappointment of being overshadowed by comments that their success was merely due to having a disabled member.
Compounded by her feelings for Nima, the band’s charismatic lead singer, Laila faces heartbreak when Nima rejects her affections. However, her spirits are lifted when she receives a scholarship to study at New York University, prompting a significant move with her mother. In the bustling environment of Manhattan, Laila meets Jared, played by William Moseley, a charming classmate assigned to assist her with typing tasks. She also encounters Khanum, portrayed by Sayani Gupta, a passionate blind activist from a Pakistani-Bangladeshi background, who soon becomes more than just a friend as romantic feelings develop.
As their relationship deepens, Laila discovers her bisexuality, grappling with her attraction to both Khanum and Jared, which leads her into a complicated romantic entanglement. Though her mother perceives Khanum as merely a close friend, inviting her to Delhi for the winter break ignites a series of personal revelations for Laila. The gravity of these revelations becomes evident when Laila finds the strength to confront her mother about her sexuality, a disclosure met with initial disapproval.
Complications arise when Laila confesses to Khanum about her encounter with Jared, leading to a painful rift between them. Shortly thereafter, Laila receives devastating news about her mother’s health, learning she has relapsed with stage two colon cancer. This triggers a reconciliation between Laila and her mother, allowing for a shared understanding before the heartbreaking loss.
At her mother’s funeral, Laila delivers a heartfelt speech, expressing her deep love and gratitude for the only person who truly understood her. As the narrative concludes, Laila embarks on a newfound journey of self-discovery, celebrating her autonomy by going on a date with herself—symbolizing her decision to take control of her life and embrace her independence.
Timeline
Track the key events of Margarita with a Straw (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Laila's Journey Begins
Laila, a vibrant teenager with cerebral palsy, navigates her life as a student at Delhi University's Ramjas College. She dreams of becoming a writer and expresses herself through music as part of an indie band, showcasing her creativity and resilience in the face of challenges.
Transportation Struggles
Laila's mother, Subhangini, plays a crucial role in her daily life by driving her to college in their family van. This reliance highlights the close bond between Laila and her family, as well as the practical challenges they face due to accessibility issues.
Complex Relationship with Druv
Laila engages in a complicated relationship with Druv, another wheelchair-bound student. While Druv desires exclusivity, Laila is resistant to dependency and wishes to maintain her friendships with able-bodied peers, adding tension to their connection.
Musical Triumph and Setbacks
Laila's musical talent shines as she helps her indie band win a college competition. However, their victory is undermined by comments suggesting their achievement is solely due to Laila's disability, highlighting the prejudices they face in society.
Heartbreak with Nima
Despite her burgeoning feelings, Laila's affections for Nima, the charismatic lead singer of the band, are not reciprocated. This rejection contributes to Laila's emotional turmoil as she navigates her identity and romantic desires.
Scholarship to New York University
Laila's spirits are lifted when she receives a scholarship to study at New York University. This moment marks a significant turning point in her life, leading to an exciting journey filled with new experiences as she moves to Manhattan with her mother.
Meeting Jared
In Manhattan, Laila meets Jared, a charming classmate who is assigned to assist her with typing tasks. Their growing friendship provides Laila with new perspectives on her capabilities and begins to unfold her romantic interests.
Bonding with Khanum
Laila encounters Khanum, a passionate blind activist, and their friendship evolves into a romantic relationship. This connection allows Laila to explore her bisexuality, complicating her feelings as she juggles attraction towards both Khanum and Jared.
Confrontation with Mother
During winter break, Laila invites Khanum to Delhi, leading her to face the reality of her sexuality. She musters the courage to confront her mother about her romantic feelings, which results in a difficult but significant conversation marked by initial disapproval.
Rift with Khanum
Complications arise when Laila confesses to Khanum about her encounter with Jared. This revelation leads to a painful rift, challenging Laila's understanding of love and friendship, as she struggles to maintain both relationships.
Devastating News
Laila receives the heartbreaking news that her mother has relapsed with stage two colon cancer. This news catalyzes emotional insights for Laila and prompts her to reconcile with her mother, emphasizing the importance of their relationship.
Mother's Funeral
At her mother's funeral, Laila delivers a heartfelt speech expressing her gratitude and love for the woman who stood by her. This moment serves as a powerful closure for Laila, marking the end of a significant chapter in her life.
Embracing Independence
With the recent changes in her life, Laila sets out on a journey of self-discovery. She makes a bold decision to go on a date with herself, symbolizing her newfound autonomy and commitment to embracing her independence.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Margarita with a Straw (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Laila (Kalki Koechelin)
Laila is a passionate and vibrant teen with cerebral palsy, determined to embrace life and follow her dreams. Her artistic talents and unwavering spirit manifest in her involvement with music and her exploration of her identity and relationships. Laila represents the ongoing struggle for acceptance and autonomy in a world that often overlooks differently-abled individuals.
Druv (Hussain Dalal)
Druv is a fellow student and Laila's romantic interest, navigating his feelings of jealousy and resentment towards her social connections. His character sheds light on the challenges of disabled relationships, emphasizing the complexities that arise when expectations clash with desires.
Khanum (Sayani Gupta)
Khanum is a passionate activist who forms a deep and complicated bond with Laila. Her supportive nature and her own struggles with identity create a poignant dynamic in their relationship, representing the beauty and challenges of love that transcends boundaries.
Jared (William Moseley)
Jared is Laila's charming classmate at New York University, offering support and assistance while navigating his own feelings towards her. His presence introduces new dynamics in Laila's life, reflecting the excitement and challenges of relationships in a different cultural context.
Subhangini
Subhangini is Laila's caring mother who is supportive yet struggles to fully understand her daughter's evolving identity. Their relationship is tested by personal revelations and ultimately deepened through shared experiences of love and loss.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Margarita with a Straw (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The story unfolds in contemporary times, depicting the modern-day challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. It also addresses ongoing societal issues regarding acceptance, love, and identity in a diverse world.
Location
Delhi University, New York City
Delhi University, particularly Ramjas College, is a prestigious institution known for its vibrant student life and diverse community. Its campus faces accessibility challenges, highlighting the struggles of its differently-abled students. New York City represents a bustling and multicultural environment where Laila seeks new opportunities and experiences, allowing her to evolve as an individual.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Margarita with a Straw (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love & Heartbreak
Laila's relationships explore the complexities of love, attraction, and heartbreak as she navigates her feelings for both Druv and Khanum. The film presents an authentic portrayal of young love and personal growth, emphasizing the challenges of forming connections amidst societal perceptions.
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Identity & Self-discovery
The journey of self-discovery is central to Laila's character as she embraces her bisexuality and confronts familial and societal expectations. Her experiences in both India and the United States highlight the importance of understanding and accepting one's identity in a complex world.
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Resilience
Laila's story is a testament to resilience, showcasing her determination to thrive despite physical and emotional challenges. Her journey of navigating societal barriers, personal relationships, and family struggles illustrates the strength of the human spirit.
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