‘Helmet’ is a brave attempt at starting a conversation, but it doesn’t commit to the cause

Some films are backed by unique stories, some focus on the art of storytelling, and some on a strong message. Helmet plays on the latter.

It highlights the socially taboo subject concerning the big (no pun intended) C – CONDOMS!

Starring Aparshakti Khurana, Pranutan Bahl, Abhishek Banerjee and Ashish Verma in lead roles, the film aims at normalizing the use of condoms.

It stresses not only to educate about safe-sex practices that can prevent HIV and STDs, but also calls to the importance of population control in India.

Helmet is a social-comedy that explores the psyche of India by carefully treading on the subject, while trying hard to maintain a balance between entertainment and preachy.

Without delving into the narrative (which you can certainly gauge from the trailer), what Helmet lacks in story or storytelling, its makes up for it with its message.

It uses humor to explore uncomfortable conversations about the necessity and advantages of condoms, but the jokes seem stale and forced. The film falters in parts when it shifts from comedy to social commentary; That is perhaps inevitable since such subjects thrive on a formula that are backed with a level of emotional drama.

Speaking of performances, the main leads give a sincere performance to lift a weak script.

Even with a unique subject like this, the film doesn’t quite any USP to be a memorable watch.

Final Verdict

Produced by Sony Pictures Networks Productions and Dino Morea, Helmet is certainly a brave attempt at starting a conversation especially in commercial Hindi cinema, but it never fully commits to the cause.

It also raises some questions about the target audience – how will it be received by people in small towns or rural India? Will it help shift their mindset about safe-sex practices and the need for population control? … Will it even in reach them?

Side note: It’s hard not the compare Aparshakti Khurana with his brother-actor Ayushmann Khurrana – both bring the same kind of energy to the screen… and evidently have similar tastes in selecting scripts (remember Vicky Donor ?)

Watch the trailer here:

Pops:  [3/5]

Helmet is now streaming on ZEE5.