SIR New Auteurs

When her wealthy employer’s wedding is abruptly called off, Ratna — a maid with ambitions to break free of domestic work and become a high-end tailor — returns to her boss’ high-rise Mumbai apartment. As she dutifully tends to Ashwin (whom she may only call “Sir”), the two gradually discover an unexpected spark between them. However, in an Indian society intent on upholding rigid class divisions, Ratna stands to lose everything if news of this forbidden romance were ever made public. Director/writer Rohena Gera’s debut feature wisely acknowledges the realities of what’s possible within these social structures, but Ratna’s desire for more is deeply felt. That’s thanks in no small part to a luminous lead performance by the magnificent Tillotama Shome. – Mike Dougherty