Directed by Gayatri Bajpai and written by leading actress and producer Rashmi Rustagi, co-written by Yashna Malhotra and Wendy Moulton-Tate, Preeti’s outwardly affluent American life conceals years of abuse at home. Now in her fifties, she decides to finally leave. She risks her community’s condemnation to pursue a dream of her own: launching a dress-design business, with only a few close friends by her side. Starring: Rashmi Rustagi, Jay Charan, Anna Khaja, Frank Lawson, Puneet, Sangeeta Agrawal, Shavya Samala and Ranjita Chakravarty.
Something people don’t delve into as often when discussing film is whether the filmmaker’s choices truly served the audience they were trying to reach. Designed by Preeti is a great example of why that’s something which should be appreciated more. Domestic abuse is an incredibly necessary, poignant, harrowing, complex topic and it is undoubtedly valuable to explore that with the grit, harshness and violence which inevitably come with it. However, Gayatri Bajpai, Yashna Malhotra, Wendy Moulton-Tate and Rashmi Rustagi chose a different style, one that befits the audience from the community they’re portraying, creating a reminder of why sometimes, a lighter touch can have the same impact.
They find a way to tell this story of abuse that’s most likely to connect with the women and families from communities which look a lot like Preeti’s (Rashmi Rustagi), where a lot of women will likely have had similar experiences. That demonstrates a lot of empathy and thoughtfulness, and then being able to sensitively deliver this touching story in a classic romantic drama style, while still serving the message and importance of the subject, drives home even more the care which the filmmakers put into Designed by Preeti.
It may not be the first film of its kind to explore the theme of domestic abuse, but it’s rare to find one that does it as gently and calmly as Designed by Preeti. Granted, there are a few choices which feed into the drama side of things, but they fit the formula and unlike many others, don’t try to cheaply add scandal. A big part of why it works is avoiding pitfalls like that, and remaining grounded, Gayatri Bajpai does a wonderful job of striking the right tone with heart, humour and just the right amount of reality.
There are so many familiar flags of abuse and relatable experiences, capturing the behaviour of the community surrounding Preeti is something that’s done particularly well. Portraying the good, along with the bad of the culture. The focus on family, community and food, versus the archaic views of marriage and ‘shame’, forcing women to choose security and silence, over safety, happiness and health. The writing nicely has examples from different perspectives, those enforcing those outdated views, and those supporting and encouraging women to embrace their independence and get out of toxic, abusive relationships, creating a realistic mix.
Another part of its success is the performances, led by Rashmi Rustagi as Preeti. Rustagi gives her such a tenderness and kindness, that it’s very easy to relate and sympathise with her. Especially with the balance of strength and vulnerability, she convincingly lands between the two, and portrays how difficult it is to find your way out of fear, as well as how that can often send people back into the arms of their abusers. She’s very easy to watch, and Rustagi creates a great warmth and growing spirit. It’s no surprise that with Rustagi on triple duty with Designed by Preeti, leading the film, producing it and co-writing it, that you can see how much heart she put into it reflected in her endearing, earnest performance.
She’s then very well supported by the rest of the ensemble, particularly the confidence and encouragement of Sonia played by Anna Khaja bringing her familiarly strong presence and determination. Jay Charan is perfectly detestable as Preeti’s husband Ajay, with all the classic smugness, manipulation and coercive behaviour. Frank Lawson is a charming addition as the generous, kind bar owner, Jackson. While Shavya Samala is another great addition as Preeti’s daughter Mallika, and Jewel Hargrove adds an extra dose of personality and encouragement.
Designed by Preeti is exactly the type of drama we need more of, something that creates that familiar easy, warm watch while holding a message about bigger issues. To be able to tell a meaningful story while using that familiar romantic drama style is tricky, and Gayatri Bajpai has crafted a great example of how to do it right. There’s an excellent cast, a simple but effective visual style, a great story, good progression and pacing, and it has a big heart.
