Likes: 5
Views: 2.02K
Shoba T. Mathur works for the Central Government in India and her job is to create awareness against child-marriage and other social evils that prevail due to general misinterpretation of the Hindu Shastras that demean women, particularly in Dhabri, a village in the state of Rajasthan. She does succeed in recruiting a young housewife, Saanvri, the mother of a young girl, Kamli, and wife of rickshaw driver, Sohan. Saanvri goes around the village raising awareness, and incurs the wrath of the village elders, mostly members of the Gujjar family. When Saanvri persists with her efforts, five of the men severely beat-up Sohan, and gang-rape Saanvri. A devastated Saanvri and Sohan decide to get justice. They go to the Police Station, but the Police Inspector refuses to lodge a complaint until and unless he gets a Medical report. The doctor will not issue a medical report until and until he gets Court Order. Sohan and Saanvri, with Shobha’s help do go through this process, and a complaint is finally lodged. Despite of this, the Gujjars are not arrested and continue to wander around, bragging about their experience with Saanvri. Saanvri’s case then gets nation-wide attention, with the Prime Minister himself entrusting this investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The Gujjars are arrested and tried in Court, but are fully aware that this is nothing but a charade, for they have the backing of the local Member of the Legislative Assembly, Dhanraj Meena, who has hired a lawyer, Purohit, and has instructed him to ensure that the Gujjars are not held liable. Watch as Judge after Judge is transferred, even the Prosecuting Attorney is of a upper caste, and is under pressure from the Gujjar community. Faced with a corrupt police force, an even more corrupt Judicial system fueled more by wealth, influence, and caste rather than the rule of law, will Saanvri succeed in getting the justice she deserves?
Duration: 125 min
Released: 2001
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 (210 Votes)
Genre: Drama, Hindi Movies
Stars: Raghuvir Yadav, Rahul Khanna, Deepti Naval, Nandita Das
Directors: Jag Mundhra
Writers: Jag Mundhra, Ashok Mishra, Sudha Arora, Hariram Acharya, Deepak Purohit
Year: 2000
Server 1 – Dailymotion
Watch Part 1
Watch Part 2
Watch Part 3
Watch Part 4
Server 2 – Youtube
Title: Bawandar (2000)
Director: Jag Mundhra
Writer: Prakash Jha (story), Meghna Gulzar (screenplay)
Main Cast: Nandita Das, Raghubir Yadav, Ravi Khanvilkar, Anupam Shyam
Genre: Drama
Overview:
"Bawandar," which translates to "The Sandstorm" in English, is a poignant Hindi drama film released in 2000 that dives deep into the harrowing and deeply disturbing issue of gender-based violence in rural India. Directed by Jag Mundhra, with a compelling screenplay by Meghna Gulzar and story conceptualized by Prakash Jha, the movie unflinchingly explores the consequences of caste, misogyny, and the struggle for justice amid societal apathy.
Plot Summary:
Inspired by true events, "Bawandar" tells the heart-wrenching story of Sanwari, portrayed with unforgettable conviction by Nandita Das. She is a marginalized woman living in a small village in Rajasthan, where traditional societal structures rule the lives of all inhabitants. The film portrays Sanwari's brutal rape by upper-caste men as an act of retaliation and dominance, an appalling abuse of power rooted in caste and gender prejudice.
Despite the overwhelming stigma and resistance she faces, Sanwari courageously fights an uphill battle for justice. The movie chronicles her relentless pursuit of dignity in the face of systemic failures, including bureaucratic apathy, police indifference, and social ostracism. Sanwari’s story is not merely one of personal suffering but is emblematic of the broader plight of countless women who face violence in silence.
The narrative also highlights the role of village dharma and the caste system, portraying how these social constructs exacerbate injustice and victimization. The movie carefully presents the emotional and psychological turmoil wrought on victims, and the impact of societal conditioning on responses to such heinous crimes.
Main Performances:
Direction and Screenplay:
Jag Mundhra's direction is fearless and incisive. Taking on such a sensitive subject matter requires tact and a clear vision, both of which he exhibits. The film avoids sensationalism and maintains dignity throughout, focusing on the victim's perspective and societal context.
Meghna Gulzar's screenplay adeptly balances the emotional intensity and the harsh realities of the issue. The dialogues and pacing ensure that the film remains engaging while educating the audience on uncomfortable truths.
Music and Soundtrack:
Unlike many Bollywood films, "Bawandar" adopts a restrained approach to music, focusing more on the narrative's gravity than on commercial songs or dance sequences. The soundtrack, if any, consists of background scores that complement the film's somber tone and augment the emotional weight of the scenes. This creative choice aligns with the film’s intent to present a hard-hitting social drama rather than entertainment.
Impact and Legacy:
"Bawandar" is not just a film; it is a strong social statement spotlighting the issue of violence against women framed within caste oppression. Its release sparked conversations about women's rights and caste dynamics in India’s rural contexts.
The film was critically acclaimed for its courage, performances, and accurate portrayal of a sensitive topic. It incited awareness and empathy while underscoring the urgent need for societal reforms and better protection for victims.
Conclusion:
Overall, "Bawandar" is a compelling and courageous film that confronts the grim realities many Indian women face. Through its realistic storytelling, powerful performances—especially by Nandita Das—and thoughtful direction by Jag Mundhra, it remains an important piece of cinematic work focused on social justice. Its evocative depiction pushes audiences to reflect on uncomfortable societal truths and the resilience of those who fight against injustice.
For those interested in meaningful cinema that balances emotional depth with social commentary, "Bawandar" stands as a must-watch film in Bollywood’s repertoire of impactful dramas.
Subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates for latest hindi movies. Stay Connected!