The Hindi film Saiyaara has been hailed as a standout movie of the year. However, a particular scene has ignited a heated debate online, dividing viewers over its portrayal of the female protagonist.
The scene in question involves the lead actress (Aneet Padda), who is depicted as innocent and somewhat naive for most of the film, spontaneously going for a swim in the ocean with her boyfriend while wearing a bikini. A segment of the audience argues that this scene is a jarring and unrealistic departure from her established character.
However, a strong counter-argument has emerged, defending the scene as a moment of genuine character development and emotional authenticity. Supporters of the scene argue that the context is crucial: the character is with the person she loves and trusts in a private, deserted setting. A user challenged the initial argument, asking, "How is a girl having fun with her BF, the one she loves and feels safe with, outside their own deserted beach house suddenly not INNOCENT just 'cause of her clothes?"
One viewer highlighted, "God forbid a woman going through chronic illness (referring to the female protagonist's condition in the film) wants to forget it for a minute and go swimming in a deserted beach with her boyfriend with whom she has been intimate and is comfortable."
Furthermore, the scene's aesthetic and directorial choices have been praised for their realism.
