The 'Dirty Picture' is hardly the dark horse film that’s surprised us with a blockbuster box office. Its leading lady is a venerable star, a critically heralded actress whose shelves are lined with Best Actress trophies. The producers are hit-makers, well on the grimy pulse of a story. Top that with another old chestnut sex sells and there’s little that can go wrong.

And yet the film is a surprise. Balan’s supposed act as a sizzling South-Indian star, Silk Smitha, has little to do with the latter’s life and times. The film has as much do with a woman and her relationship with her body boobs, belly, thundering thighs et al as it does with the tale of a woman on the fringe of society.

Albeit set in the Eighties, the film is as here-and-now as the actress Balan herself. Not too many summers ago, Balan struggled with unyielding criticism about her weight, now she throws her jiggle-wiggles in your face and make you say “Ooh-la-la”. Besides, when the pop cultural zeitgeist demands you resemble a stick insect, a full-bodied woman as a sex symbol is a game-changer.

While the film may be flawed in some aspects, Balan and her character are spotless. You don’t leave the film sympathising with Silk, you accept that in her defeat lies her success. A life lived by one’s own rules is a life well-lived, never mind a few years short.

The Dirty Picture belongs as much to Vidya Balan as it does to her wardrobe. Plunge cholis, peekaboo bra-straps, Bobby blouses, exposed midriffs, satin camisoles and sequins that would embarrass Michael Jackson there is no such thing as over the top here. Costume designer Niharika Khan is both an invisible character in this film and the secret to its success. After the perfectly styled Band Baaja Baaraat and Delhi Belly , she pulls out aces with Dirty Picture. The Disco Decade is presented in all its kitsch and shine, padded bras, big earrings and the tacky sexuality of anarkalis. Think Madhuri Dixit of the conical bras fame, and you get the (dirty) picture.