Water
-By Swetha Amit
Water traces back into the year of 1938 even before India attained freedom. It gives an insight into the appalling treatment handed out to the women, particularly that of the widows.
The film starts with an innocent 7 year old girl, Chuiya (Sarala) informed about her status of being widowed. Transported into an Ashram across the river brings Chuiya into the queer world of depressed widows headed by the evil Madhumati (Manorma).Her harsh dictatorship which is feared by all is sometimes opposed only by Shakuntala (Seema Biswas).Chuiya finds herself trapped in this strange place forever despite her continuous wails to go back home.
Her meeting with the beautiful Kalyani (Lisa Ray) finds her a friend in the otherwise cold and isolated locale. This pretty young widow is exploited and pimped by Madhumati to overcome the shortage of finances in the Ashram. A chance encounter with Narayan (John Abraham) causes the latter to fall in love with her in spite of her ‘widowed’ status who reciprocates the same. He proposes to marry her. A happy Kalyani is all set to tread on to the forbidden territory with opposition met by Madhumati. However, Shakuntala coming to her rescue propels Kalyani to move on to greener pastures only to be met with unexpected turn of events.
It ends on a positive and hopeful note. A sensitively handled film with powerful performances. Seema Biswas stands out.John does well with a lot of conviction. Lisa Ray and Sarala have done a good job. It’s yet another master piece by Deepa Mehta. A bold and unconventional theme well exhibited in a crafty manner.
The film takes a turn into revealing the horrifying and hypocritical condition of the Indian society. It was shocking to see child marriages having taken place and the innocence being resurrected. The age of schooling and education is replaced by plunging them into a union least understood by them.
It emphasizes the inequality of women which continues to prevail in many parts despite the fact of the so called liberalization. Although women have come a long way, there are certain dark areas which apparently education fails to throw light on. Sati, bride-burning are known to occur. There exist the days of women being forced into marriages or playing the sacrificing roles. It is a miserable plight to see widow remarriage still being considered a taboo in our democratic country.
Freedom for which the father of the nation fought for has been forgotten the meaning of. Independence which is celebrated every year ironically fails to be implemented. What are we celebrating? Having combated the British rule ALONE? What about being given the choice of what to do instead of being forced down upon?
It is high time that India eradicates such evils and intensifies its democracy even further.
Although water did drain out at the Oscars, it will continue its retention in the Indian audiences which is sure to leave certain moist eyes. It goes to prove that water will remain down to earth without extinguishing its passionate fiery portrayal of a delicate issue. It has done our country proud by its brilliant portrayal of a realistic and touchy issue which is bound to melt the hearts of millions.
The film starts with an innocent 7 year old girl, Chuiya (Sarala) informed about her status of being widowed. Transported into an Ashram across the river brings Chuiya into the queer world of depressed widows headed by the evil Madhumati (Manorma).Her harsh dictatorship which is feared by all is sometimes opposed only by Shakuntala (Seema Biswas).Chuiya finds herself trapped in this strange place forever despite her continuous wails to go back home.
Her meeting with the beautiful Kalyani (Lisa Ray) finds her a friend in the otherwise cold and isolated locale. This pretty young widow is exploited and pimped by Madhumati to overcome the shortage of finances in the Ashram. A chance encounter with Narayan (John Abraham) causes the latter to fall in love with her in spite of her ‘widowed’ status who reciprocates the same. He proposes to marry her. A happy Kalyani is all set to tread on to the forbidden territory with opposition met by Madhumati. However, Shakuntala coming to her rescue propels Kalyani to move on to greener pastures only to be met with unexpected turn of events.
It ends on a positive and hopeful note. A sensitively handled film with powerful performances. Seema Biswas stands out.John does well with a lot of conviction. Lisa Ray and Sarala have done a good job. It’s yet another master piece by Deepa Mehta. A bold and unconventional theme well exhibited in a crafty manner.
The film takes a turn into revealing the horrifying and hypocritical condition of the Indian society. It was shocking to see child marriages having taken place and the innocence being resurrected. The age of schooling and education is replaced by plunging them into a union least understood by them.
It emphasizes the inequality of women which continues to prevail in many parts despite the fact of the so called liberalization. Although women have come a long way, there are certain dark areas which apparently education fails to throw light on. Sati, bride-burning are known to occur. There exist the days of women being forced into marriages or playing the sacrificing roles. It is a miserable plight to see widow remarriage still being considered a taboo in our democratic country.
Freedom for which the father of the nation fought for has been forgotten the meaning of. Independence which is celebrated every year ironically fails to be implemented. What are we celebrating? Having combated the British rule ALONE? What about being given the choice of what to do instead of being forced down upon?
It is high time that India eradicates such evils and intensifies its democracy even further.
Although water did drain out at the Oscars, it will continue its retention in the Indian audiences which is sure to leave certain moist eyes. It goes to prove that water will remain down to earth without extinguishing its passionate fiery portrayal of a delicate issue. It has done our country proud by its brilliant portrayal of a realistic and touchy issue which is bound to melt the hearts of millions.
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