A review of Chorki’s 36-24-36
By Ayman Anika
At first glance, 36-24-36, premiered on Chorki, might seem like just another commentary on societal beauty standards, but Rezaur Rahman’s film is anything but ordinary. It is a raw, heartfelt, and deeply personal exploration of self-worth, love, and identity – a story thoughtfully written by Kaarina Kaisar, Rezaur Rahman, and Montasir Mannan.
In a world where numbers define desirability, where a person’s worth is often measured in inches rather than character, 36-24-36 turns the mirror back on society, asking the uncomfortable question: Who gets to decide what is beautiful?
A Fresh and Timely Concept
At its core, 36-24-36 is a much-needed critique of how society conditions women to equate self-worth with body size. The title itself, a reference to the so-called “ideal” body proportions for women, sets the stage for a discussion that is long overdue. The film takes Syra’s (played by Kaarina Kaisar) journey seriously, showing her internal conflict, past trauma, and slow but steady transformation into a more self-accepting individual.
What works exceptionally well is that 36-24-36 doesn’t rely on a Cinderella-like makeover or external validation for Syra’s growth. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, which feels more authentic than many films that touch on similar themes. The film resists the temptation to make Syra’s love interest, Tahsir (Sayed Zaman Shawon), the sole force behind her confidence, instead allowing her growth to be self-driven.
Kaarina Kaisar as Syra delivers a nuanced performance, embodying the insecurities and frustrations of someone who has internalized years of societal judgment. Her portrayal is raw and realistic, making it easy for the audience to connect with her struggles. Sayed Zaman Shawon as Tahsir brings a grounded, natural charm to his role, and his chemistry with Kaisar feels organic rather than forced.
Prarthana Fardin Dighi, Abu Hurayra Tanvir, and Golam Kibria Tanvir round out the supporting cast, each playing important roles in Syra’s personal journey. Whether as friends, family, or voices of societal pressure, they add layers to the narrative, making it a well-rounded and deeply immersive experience.
Rezaur Rahman’s direction is thoughtful, often using visual story-telling to reflect Syra’s mindset. The recurring use of mirrors and reflections, for instance, subtly illustrates her evolving perception of herself. The cinematography is intimate, favoring close-up shots that capture the vulnerability in Syra’s eyes, and the warm, muted color palette enhances the film’s introspective tone.
The film also deserves praise for not shying away from the harsh realities of body shaming. Syra’s past trauma is explored with sensitivity, making her journey toward self-acceptance feel earned rather than rushed.
Where the Film Stumbles
However, 36-24-36 is not without its flaws. While its message is important, the execution falters at times, making parts of the film feel repetitive and heavy-handed. Syra’s internal monologue and certain dialogue exchanges feel overly expository as if the film is overly concerned with ensuring that the audience “gets” its message. This sometimes detracts from the emotional impact of scenes that could have been more powerful if they had been allowed to unfold organically.
Additionally, while Syra’s personal journey is well-fleshed out, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped. Dighi’s character Priyonti, though charming, remains somewhat one-dimensional, serving more as a symbol of the idealized version of Syra, rather than a fully realized character with her own complexities.
Similarly, the antagonistic forces – whether it be societal pressure, certain toxic individuals, or even Syra’s own self-doubt – sometimes feel generic, lacking the depth that would have made them more compelling.
Another notable shortcoming is the pacing. The film starts strong but loses momentum in the middle, stretching certain emotional beats longer than necessary. Some scenes could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter narrative without sacrificing depth.
Why 36-24-36 Matters
In an era where body positivity is gaining traction, 36-24-36 stands out because it does not just promote self-love – it explores the messy, painful process of getting there. It acknowledges that the road to self-acceptance is not linear, that healing takes time, and that self-worth should never be tied to arbitrary standards.
With its compelling performances and thoughtful story-telling, this film leaves a lasting impact. It does not offer an easy, fairytale-like resolution because real life is not that simple. Instead, it leaves the audience with something far more powerful – a sense of reflection, a spark of self-love, and a reminder that beauty is not a number but a state of mind.
