In a country like India, where female feoticide is still prevalent, a film like Jalpari – The Desert Mermaid is abrave attempt to highlight this social issue.It is a revelation for the urban youth,who are oblivious to the realities of the‘real India’.

The film is a story about Dev (Parvin Dabas), a doctor in New Delhi, who wantsto open a hospital in a village in Haryana.He takes his daughter Shreya (Lehar Khan) and son (Krishang Trivedi) to visitthe village with him. Shreya is a fearless and adventurous tomboy. She finds thatthe village is the exact opposite of what she had imagined, and later is shocked atthe practice of female feoticide there.

The concept of the film is a clearwinner, its execution is brilliant, and the performances add brownie points. Nila Madabh Panda’s direction is spot-on and some scenes are real eye-openers.Like the one that shows foetuses floating in the lake. The scene where Shreya is thrown into the pond too is very impactful.

However, the music does not add to the film. The twist at the end keeps you in suspense for a little too long and this could lose the audience. Even though the run time is short, the climax feels prolonged. Background score is good.Cinematography is apt. Costumes and locations are appropriate.

Performance-wise, Lehar Khan hasd one a fantastic job. She is convincing and delivers her lines with ease. Krishang Trivedi is adorable. Parvin Dabas, as a father,is convincing. Harsh Mayar pleases with his performance. Suhasini Mulay,as the grandmother, has little scope and does her best. Tannishtha Chatterjee, asa village belle, is good.

Verdict: Though high on content, lackof awareness might dampen the film’s prospects at the ticket counter.