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The Saikias are a wealthy family, consisting of father, mother, and two unmarried sons, Sanjoy and Sunil. Sanjoy is the elder of the two, who refuses to marry, and the rest of the family have to live with his temper tantrums, alcoholism, and patronizing prostitutes. They decide to get him married to a woman named, Durga, who comes from a lower caste, & a poor family, who they believe will be able to live with Sanjoy and his weaknesses. Sanjoy initially refuses to marry Durga, but when his mother threatens to cut him off from her will and estate, he relents and marries her. Thus begins Durga’s nightmare with Sanjoy – right from day one. On the very first night Sanjoy decides to spent it with a prostitute named Chameli, who gets pregnant. He subsequently forcibly has sex with Durga, and gets her pregnant too, but blames her pregnancy on Sunil. Durga gives birth to a daughter, Deepa, much to Sanjoy’s disappointment, as he had expected a son. Years pass by, Deepa is now 12 years old, and Sanjoy decides to get her married to an older male, and he refuses to listen to anyone, and severely beats up Durga in the presence of the rest of his family. One stormy night during a brawl between the brothers, Sunil is killed. Durga feels alone, threatened, and afraid that her daughter might be forced to re-live her horrors – she and Deepa run away. Sanjoy files a complaint with local police, alleging that Durga has abducted Deepa. Durga and Deepa re-locate to Guwahati, and find support from unexpected quarters – where they grow and thrive. Then one day, Durga sees Sanjoy at the local drug store buying some alcohol. Has her biggest nightmare returned to take possession of her and Deepa?
Duration: 119 min
Released: 2001
IMDb Rating: 5.6/10 (62 Votes)
Genre: Drama
Stars: Sanjay Suri, Sayaji Shinde, Raima Sen, Raveena Tandon
Directors: Kalpana Lajmi
Writers: Kalpana Lajmi
Year: 2001
Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence is a compelling and hard-hitting Indian drama film released in 2001. Directed by Kalpana Lajmi, a filmmaker noted for her socially conscious cinema, this movie tackles the grievous subject of domestic abuse and the harrowing journey of empowerment that follows. In an era when such taboo topics were seldom portrayed earnestly on the big screen, Daman stands as a brave and poignant narrative aimed at raising awareness and inspiring change.
Plot Overview
The movie centers around the life of Durga (played by Raveena Tandon), a woman subjected to relentless physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her husband, Nana (portrayed by Sayaji Shinde). The plot unfolds to reveal Durga's descent into despair as well as her indomitable spirit to break free from her agonizing bondage. The title, Daman, which translates to 'suppression' or 'control', eloquently encapsulates the dark reality of domestic violence that many women endure silently.
The narrative is not just a recount of cruelty but also a story of resistance and hope. Durga's journey becomes symbolic of the countless women in similar circumstances, shedding light on the social stigma and legal hurdles victims face. The film delicately explores themes of injustice, the patriarchal mindset, and the quest for dignity and freedom.
Key Cast and Crew
Music and Songs
Unlike many Bollywood films, Daman does not lean heavily on song and dance sequences to carry its narrative; instead, it uses music judiciously to enhance the emotional atmosphere. The music was composed by Bhupen Hazarika, a legendary figure in Indian music, known for his soulful and poignant compositions. The songs encapsulate the mood of the film, offering moments of reflection amidst the intense drama. The soundtrack features melodious and soul-stirring tracks, performed by acclaimed singers such as Bhupen Hazarika himself and others, contributing significantly to the overall tone and message of the film.
Impact and Reception
Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence was lauded for its sincere portrayal of a subject often glossed over in Indian cinema. It received critical acclaim for both the direction and performances, especially that of Raveena Tandon, whose portrayal earned her accolades and increased recognition for tackling socially relevant issues. The film was appreciated for its unflinching honesty and sensitivity.
More than just a film, Daman serves as a social commentary that encouraged discussions about domestic violence in India, contributing to greater awareness and a shift in public perception. Its emphasis on the victim's perspective and the societal hurdles she faces resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Conclusion
To summarize, Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence is a significant work in Indian cinema that courageously explores the grim realities of domestic abuse. With compelling performances by Raveena Tandon and Sayaji Shinde under the skilled direction and writing of Kalpana Lajmi, the film offers both a sobering look at social issues and a hopeful message of strength and liberation. Its restrained use of music by Bhupen Hazarika lends emotional depth without detracting from the serious tone of the film. For those interested in socially conscious drama, Daman remains a must-watch, blending artistry with activism in a profoundly moving way.
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