Preeti Panigrahi Discusses Girls Will Be Girls: A Film Challenging Stereotypes Of Young Women

Preeti Panigrahi is gaining attention with her debut film 'Girls Will Be Girls'. Produced by Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha, and directed by Shuchi Talati, the film will be available on Amazon Prime from December 18. It has already received international praise, winning awards at film festivals for its insightful depiction of young women's lives.

Preeti shares her thoughts on the film's title: "The title Girls Will Be Girls flips the often used phrase Boys will be boys, which is commonly used to excuse male behavior. Our film extends empathy toward women, who are often not forgiven for their choices. It highlights the complex lives of young women, their challenges, and their growth. I hope the film sparks dialogue, especially between mothers and daughters. I want daughters to realize their moms were once young girls too, and for moms to understand that their daughters are still discovering everything in life."

Portraying Mira, a head prefect dealing with teenage dilemmas, was both thrilling and demanding for Preeti. She describes being a young woman as confusing due to balancing academic success with first love and insecurity about her mother's protectiveness. With guidance from Dilip Shankar and Shuchi Talati, Preeti embraced Mira's vulnerabilities to portray her authentically.

The early acclaim for 'Girls Will Be Girls' has set high expectations for Preeti's future work. However, she remains calm about it. She finds this year rewarding due to travel experiences and meeting new people. Watching great films has inspired her to focus on stories she wants to tell in the future.

As 'Girls Will Be Girls' prepares for a broader release, Preeti hopes it will resonate with audiences worldwide. She aims for the film to challenge societal norms while promoting empathy and understanding of young women's experiences.

The movie's narrative encourages conversations between mothers and daughters about shared experiences across generations. By highlighting these themes, Preeti wishes viewers gain insight into the complexities of growing up as a young woman today.