Netflix's newly released film, Mimi, by director Laxman Utekar, starring Pankaj Tripathi and Kriti Sanon is meant to deal with the complexities of commercial surrogacy, cushioned with humour. But it's really the first scene of the film that gets its teeth into what it actually entails. Commercial surrogacy became legal in India in 2002. Though a Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019, is now set to ban it completely and to limit even altruistic surrogacy.
The ban, like all actions that are knee jerk, is problematic and much has been written about India's surrogacy bill that discriminates on who can really be a parent (those from LGBTQ community and single women are kept out), while further limiting the rights of women and narrowly defining who can be a 'family'.
The film's premise is also somewhat that - who is a mother?
The first scene gives you a peak into India's 'baby factories' that blossomed across the country, particularly in Anand, Gujarat, - where surrogates - often living in cramped quarters, lend their womb for a cost. Many are willing participants, some are not, there are several tales of exploitation and but also several stories of how commercial surrogacy helped women bring their families out of poverty, while giving joy to those who cannot 'naturally' conceive. A 2012 report claims the industry is worth well over $400 million a year.
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