Mili

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*Mili* (2022), directed by Mathukutty Xavier, is a Hindi remake of his Malayalam hit *Helen* (2019), with the setting shifted to Dehradun. While the location change brings some freshness, the essence of the film remains consistent with the original. It focuses on the survival journey of a young woman, Mili (Janhvi Kapoor), who gets trapped in a cold storage and must fight to stay alive.

Mili is a nursing graduate aspiring to work in Canada for better prospects. She juggles her preparation for an entrance test, a part-time job in a fast-food restaurant, and a relationship with her boyfriend, Sameer (Sunny Kaushal). Despite her strong ambitions and responsibility, there is tension between her and her father, Niranjan (Manoj Pahwa), due to her boyfriend’s perceived irresponsibility. A major conflict arises when Sameer gets into trouble with the police, deepening the rift between Mili and her father.

The central crisis of the film occurs when Mili is accidentally locked in a cold storage unit at her workplace, with no means to contact anyone. As she struggles to survive in temperatures as low as -16°C for hours, the film shifts between her emotional survival and the search efforts from her family and Sameer. The father-daughter relationship is at the heart of the film, with sensitive moments that evoke deep emotions. Mili’s upbringing, her love for her father, and her struggle to survive reflect the strength of their bond.

The survival sequences are intense, showing Mili’s resourcefulness as she attempts to stay alive—by eating raw food, trying to turn off the cooling systems, and even befriending a mouse. These moments also comment on the indifference of the authorities and the efforts of her loved ones to find her. The pace of the film is a blend of emotional drama and thrilling survival, keeping the audience engaged.

Janhvi Kapoor delivers a strong performance as Mili, showcasing her growing versatility as an actress. Since her debut in *Dhadak* (2018), she has shown steady improvement with each role. Manoj Pahwa’s portrayal of a concerned father is heartfelt, and Sunny Kaushal provides good support as the boyfriend caught in the middle of the family’s emotional struggles.

Overall, *Mili* is a gripping survival thriller with emotional depth. The father-daughter relationship, combined with the tense survival story, makes it an engaging and heartfelt film. It's a perfect mix of suspense, emotion, and resilience.