Vakeel Babu

Vakeel Babu is a 2022 legal drama short film made in Hindi language. The film features a very distinct treatment of legal space in India. The film was directed by Sumit Purohit and starred actors Abhishek Banerjee, Loveleen Mishra, Hetal Gada and Bhamini Oza in prominent roles. It was produced by Civic Studios, a Mumbai-based production house focussed on creating social change through the medium of entertainment. In the case of Vakeel Babu, it highlights the issues of gender based violence and need for gender sensitivity among legal practitioners.

Plot

A young lawyer, distracted with chasing success through his digital video channel, is approached online by an anonymous female victim with a powerful abuser. Will he do justice to the challenge? The film traces the journey of Shiraz Hassan as he rediscovers his purpose in the justice system.

Cast

Abhishek Banerjee as Shiraz Hasan Loveleen Mishra as Rabiya Hasan Bhamini Oza as Malti Mitra Gadhvi Hetal Gada Pallavi Jadhav Solanki Sharma Vinod Surya

Reception

Vakeel Babu was widely appreciated by prominent film critics for its treatment of sensitive issues and for its distinct treatment of how legal system works. Times of India called it an engaging social commentary.^[1] Film Companion, leading digital Magazine on Indian films, remarked "Vakeel Babu practices more than it preaches"^[2] The leaflet, a reputed legal publication, called it a timely lesson in Public morality^[3] It went on to be officially nominated at several Indian and international film festivals like Chicago South Asian Film Festival '22, IFFSA Toronto '22, and New York Indian Film Festival '22.^[4]

References

1. "Vakeel Babu Review : Abhishek Banerjee's social commentary is engaging". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
2. Desai, Rahul (28 October 2022). "Long Story Short: 'Vakeel Babu' Practices More than it Preaches". www.filmcompanion.in. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
3. "'Vakeel Babu' offers a timely lesson in public morality – The Leaflet". theleaflet.in. 14 February 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
4. Bureau, The Hindu (6 May 2022). "'Vakeel Babu' selected for New York Indian Film Festival 2022". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 September 2023. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)