In a society where opportunities are scarce and gender dictates destiny, ‘Rickshaw Girl’ delivers a powerful punch. Naima’s journey, from a village artist to a disguised rickshaw puller in Dhaka, testifies to the strength that blooms in tough circumstances. The film has been well-received, with critics praising Novera Rahman’s standout performance and the film’s stunning visuals. It has also garnered recognition in several film festivals, receiving awards for its cinematography and storytelling. Based on Mitali Perkins’ novel, Amitabh Reza Chowdhury’s film portrays the struggles of the poor in Bangladesh, particularly through Niama, a young girl who enters into the male-dominated rickshaw trade to support her family. It explores themes of social injustice, gender roles, and resilience, highlighting that change is possible when the right people are in power. It beautifully captures Dhaka’s chaotic yet vibrant rickshaw culture, where colourful paintings tell stories of survival and identity.
Naima is a free-spirited and determined girl, the daughter of a rickshaw-wala in a small Bangladeshi village. She expresses herself through vibrant chalk drawings on footpaths, though they often go unnoticed or are erased easily by passing footsteps. When hardship strikes, she leaves her village for Dhaka, disguising herself as a boy to pull a rickshaw, proving she is just as capable as any man. Despite her struggles, her artistic soul never fades; she brings colour to the city’s only vibrant vehicle – the Rickshaw – painting life onto its dull, grey streets.
The film’s visuals, inspired by rickshaw art, blend realism with animation, adding a dreamlike quality to Naima’s journey and adding an extra oomph to the storytelling. Director Amitabh Reza Chowdhury describes ‘Rickshaw Girl’ not as a humanist film focusing on universal struggles rather than just gender-based oppression. The story is about resilience – whether in Naima’s bold transformation, the symbolic caged bird, or the contrast between urban hardship and artistic beauty. It presents deep-rooted gender inequalities, paralleling the Irish Animated film ‘The Breadwinner,’ which shows how a girl disguises herself to support her family under the Taliban regime. The ‘Rickshaw Girl’ skillfully balances multiple elements – a young girl’s struggles, the harsh reality of poverty, crime, social mismanagement, and the fading heritage of rickshaw painting – all while focusing on Naima’s determination. This level of contrast and complexity is not easy to achieve in a single narrative.
Novera Rahman’s performance as Naima is outstanding, supported by a strong cast of actors; Naresh Bhuiyan, Allen Shubhro Gomes, Momena Chowdhury, and Gulshan Champa, to name a few. However, while the visuals and storytelling excel, the dialogue feels stiff at times, making certain scenes feel artificial. Likewise, the narrative occasionally lacks realism – Naima’s journey, in real life, would have been far more brutal. Another issue is that, aside from Naima, other characters don’t receive much focus. For instance, Mariam, another female character, suddenly appears, plays a crucial role within just a few scenes, and then disappears without any proper backstory or character development. While films often alter elements from their source material, the original novel placed greater emphasis on rickshaw painting. It would have been more impactful if the film had explored the fading demand for this art, its significance, and its place in modern society. Moreover, the climax feels somewhat rushed – Naima’s life seemingly changes overnight because of her rickshaw paintings. To make this transformation more convincing, the film could have showcased more examples of her artwork and its growing influence. The impact of her artistic talent needed more depth and screen time.
Beyond Naima’s story, the film’s portrayal of Dhaka is strikingly realistic. The film does not romanticise poverty, nor does it exaggerate the violence – instead, it offers an honest glimpse into the daily struggles of the working class. The rickshaw garages, the bustling streets, and the chaotic energy of the city feel incredibly authentic, adding depth to the storytelling. At the same time, the film balances harsh realism with moments of hope, showing that even in the darkest of times, art and dreams can survive.
Ultimately, ‘Rickshaw Girl’ is a compelling and deeply moving film. It transcends cultural boundaries, offering an earnest proof of human resilience and the transformative power of art. Despite its imperfections, ‘Rickshaw Girl’ stands as a significant achievement, its message of hope and perseverance resonates, making it a must see for those seeking stories that inspire and challenge.