Actresses Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi say they are working on their upcoming film double xl Has been a “personal and cathartic” experience. The slice-of-life comedy drama, directed by “Helmet” fame Satram Ramani, traces the journey of two plus-size women – Rajshree Trivedi (Huma) from Meerut and Saira Khanna (Sonakshi) from New Delhi – as they navigate society’s beauty standards.
Sonakshi said working in the film felt like she was reminiscing about her college days, when she was often body-shamed. “This film was a cathartic experience. Even before starting our career, we faced a lot of body shaming as we were big kids,” the actor said at the promotional event of the film.
Growing up, Sonakshi recalled that she never had a role model who made her believe it was “okay” to look a certain way. “We never had those role models, so it was important for us to be the people who are watching this film for the audience. Everyone needs that reassurance as they grow up. It’s important to convince people that it’s not always about how you look. It’s a very personal film for both of us.”
Huma said the story of Double XL resonates with her because during her 10-year journey in films, she has been told that she doesn’t fit the “shield” of a traditional Hindi film heroine.
“Sonakshi and I have had a very different journey in films. But both of us have been told many times that we don’t fit the mold of a traditional Hindi film heroine. We want to know what is that mold? Because he couldn’t stop us from achieving our dreams. As public figures, we have to go through a lot to be who we are. I can’t even imagine what other girls and boys go through every day.” He said that the funny behavior that big people get in films always bothered him.
“If there is a plus size character in the film, they are at the center of the joke. In this film we don’t want people to laugh at him but with him. After being called a big girl all my life, I was doing this film… I always thought I am not a big girl, I am a beautiful girl. It’s for everyone who has been told they are misfits.”
Double XL is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Vipul D Shah, Ashwin Varde, Rajesh Behl, Saqib Saleem, Huma and Mudassar Aziz. Saqib said that Joe is guilty of body shaming and that he realized his mistake over time, finding the subject relevant to come on board as a producer.
“I’m guilty of body shaming. When I was growing up, our conditioning was such that we used to call people fat, skinny, black, anything very casually. In a way, with this movie, I’m going through my sins.” But on a serious note, I think it is a very relevant film and I have seen it happen a lot in my life. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with these wonderful people. Mila. Whatever they have done, they have all taken the film forward,” he said.
Starring Zaheer Iqbal and Mahat Raghavendra, Double XL is presented by T-Series, Wakao Films and Reclining Seats Cinema. The film is scheduled to release on Friday.