The Hindi web series Taali, now streaming on Jio cinema, is based on the life of transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant and her journey as Ganesh to eventually becoming Gauri.
The six-episode series is an attempt to showcase the true struggle of Ganesh in becoming Gauri while in search of identity, fighting for survival, and seeking the right to equality.
All three major departments, from writing for the screen, making, and the performances — mainly the personality in focus — have turned out to be more than satisfactory.
A majority of transgender people’s roles on Indian screens are portrayed by men. However, for a change, actress Sushmita Sen plays a transgender character in Taali.
A queer film producer, Neeraj Churi rightly pointed out in an interview with South First that many cis-gender actors try to play transgender roles as if it is an acting challenge.
Several emotionally charged scenes are brilliantly written. Taali also mirrors the bond between a child and her mother, likewise father, and even the undying faith in God.
A saint’s quote at the beginning of the series, “A person who serves the dejected and deprived is no lesser than God,” makes sense after experiencing the life of Shreegauri.