Huma Qureshi starrer Tarla has been receiving a mixed response from critics and audiences alike. The biopic, based on the life of renowned chef Tarla Dalal, serves a feel-good recipe topped with mixed spices. While the execution of the film is commendable, the performances leave something to be desired.
Directed by Piyush Gupta, Tarla tells the story of a young Tarla Dalal (played by Huma Qureshi) who dreams big but lacks direction in life. Married for 12 years and with three kids, Tarla yearns to do something meaningful with her life. Despite being a successful homemaker, she longs for more. When opportunities come knocking, she must grapple with the dilemma of pursuing her dreams or sacrificing them for her family.
At a runtime of nearly two hours, Tarla manages to keep the audience engaged throughout. Gupta successfully portrays the plight of a housewife torn between her career aspirations and her responsibilities towards her family. The film celebrates Tarla’s little victories and her joy in what she does.
However, one aspect that remains unexplored is Tarla’s innate passion for cooking. The film fails to delve into whether she always had a passion for cooking or if she discovered it while trying to impress her non-vegetarian husband by making delicious vegetarian dishes for him. This missed opportunity would have provided a deeper understanding of Tarla’s life choices. Additionally, the film barely touches upon Tarla’s childhood and youth, leaving viewers with unanswered questions about her early life.
While Huma Qureshi gives her best in portraying the titular character, there is a slight disconnect with Tarla Dalal’s real persona. Tarla was known for her infectious smile and calm demeanor, traits that Huma fails to fully embody. Despite this, Huma succeeds in conveying the film’s message, even if she doesn’t fully convince audiences that she is Tarla Dalal. On the other hand, Sharib Hashmi delivers a flawless performance as Nalin, Tarla’s supportive husband, who takes up the role of a publisher to support her dreams.
Overall, Tarla offers a feel-good experience for viewers, despite the slight shortcomings in its execution and performances. The film is now available for streaming on Zee5 and is worth a watch for food enthusiasts and fans of Tarla Dalal. Although Huma Qureshi’s portrayal may not be entirely convincing, it doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the film.
