Margarita with a Straw 2016

Laila, portrayed by Kalki Koechelin, is a vibrant teenager grappling with cerebral palsy who navigates life in a wheelchair. A student at Delhi University’s Ramjas College, she aspires to be a writer and channels her creativity into crafting lyrics and electronic sounds for her indie band. Despite her challenges, Laila is both talented and sexually active. She engages in a complex relationship with another student, Druv, played by Hussain Dalal, who is also wheelchair-bound. However, Druv harbors resentment towards Laila for having friendships with “normal” peers such as Sameera and Nima.

Laila relies on her mother, Subhangini, for transportation in their family van to college while being supported by her loving father and her brother, Monu. At college, she maneuvers her electric wheelchair around campus, yet struggles with the fact that others often treat her differently when accessibility issues arise, such as when elevators are out of order.

While Druv expresses a desire for an exclusive relationship, Laila is hesitant, asserting that she isn’t ready to give up her connections with others. She embraces her sexuality, watching adult content and exploring her desires. Her musical talent shines when she helps lead her college band to victory in a competition, only to face the disappointment of being overshadowed by comments that their success was merely due to having a disabled member.

Compounded by her feelings for Nima, the band’s charismatic lead singer, Laila faces heartbreak when Nima rejects her affections. However, her spirits are lifted when she receives a scholarship to study at New York University, prompting a significant move with her mother. In the bustling environment of Manhattan, Laila meets Jared, played by William Moseley, a charming classmate assigned to assist her with typing tasks. She also encounters Khanum, portrayed by Sayani Gupta, a passionate blind activist from a Pakistani-Bangladeshi background, who soon becomes more than just a friend as romantic feelings develop.

As their relationship deepens, Laila discovers her bisexuality, grappling with her attraction to both Khanum and Jared, which leads her into a complicated romantic entanglement. Though her mother perceives Khanum as merely a close friend, inviting her to Delhi for the winter break ignites a series of personal revelations for Laila. The gravity of these revelations becomes evident when Laila finds the strength to confront her mother about her sexuality, a disclosure met with initial disapproval.

Complications arise when Laila confesses to Khanum about her encounter with Jared, leading to a painful rift between them. Shortly thereafter, Laila receives devastating news about her mother’s health, learning she has relapsed with stage two colon cancer. This triggers a reconciliation between Laila and her mother, allowing for a shared understanding before the heartbreaking loss.

At her mother’s funeral, Laila delivers a heartfelt speech, expressing her deep love and gratitude for the only person who truly understood her. As the narrative concludes, Laila embarks on a newfound journey of self-discovery, celebrating her autonomy by going on a date with herself—symbolizing her decision to take control of her life and embrace her independence.