Lipstick Under My Burkha (2017)

Lipstick Under My Burkha is a groundbreaking Hindi drama film released in 2016 that boldly explores the secret desires and rebellious spirits of four women living in a conservative Indian society. Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava and written by Shrivastava herself, the film has been widely acclaimed for its unapologetic portrayal of female empowerment and sexual awakening.

The film's story revolves around four women from different walks of life who are suffocated by societal norms and patriarchal restrictions but find ways to express their individuality and reclaim their freedom. These characters include Usha (Ratna Pathak Shah), a feisty and determined widow who dreams of becoming a beautician; Rehana (Plabita Borthakur), a college student battling her conservative household and secretly working as a private dancer; Shireen (Konkona Sen Sharma), a passionate perfume shop owner caught in a loveless marriage; and Leela (Aahana Kumra), a young housekeeper keen to break free from her small-town life and explore her sexuality.

Director and Writer

Alankrita Shrivastava crafted this narrative with a focus on bringing women's stories into the spotlight, challenging the often conservative lens through which female characters are portrayed in Indian cinema. Her direction sensitively balances the humor, pathos, and intensity of her characters' journeys, while her screenplay delves deep into the social fabric that restricts women.

Main Cast

• Ratna Pathak Shah as Usha Parmar – bringing warmth and a fierce determination to her role as the widow who refuses to be silenced.
• Konkona Sen Sharma as Shireen Aslam – portraying the complexities of a woman torn between tradition and desire.
• Aahana Kumra as Leela – capturing the restlessness and longing of youth constrained by societal expectations.
• Plabita Borthakur as Rehana Abidi – embodying the struggle of a young girl balancing religious conservatism with personal ambition.

Plot Summary

The narrative threads these women's lives together through their shared yearning for freedom in different forms—sexual, personal, and professional. Each character's story highlights the oppressive environment in which they live, yet also uncovers their courageous efforts to challenge the status quo.

Usha dreams of opening a beauty salon, symbolizing her desire for independence and control over her life after her husband's death. Rehana's double life as a shy student at home and a spirited dancer at night underlines the conflict between personal dream and cultural constraints. Shireen seeks emotional connection and love, struggling with her husband’s indifference and traditional expectations. Leela explores her sexuality and fights for her right to self-expression despite coming from a small town where such freedom is taboo.

Cultural Impact and Controversy

Upon its release, Lipstick Under My Burkha faced significant challenges from the Central Board of Film Certification in India due to its frank depiction of female desire and sexuality. Initially banned for being "lady oriented" and featuring "sexual scenes," the film's censorship sparked a broader conversation regarding women’s rights and freedom of expression in Indian cinema. Eventually, after appealing, the ban was lifted with some cuts.

The movie’s boldness in addressing taboo topics like female sexuality, bodily autonomy, and gender inequality was hailed globally. Critics praised the film for being a fresh and powerful feminist voice in Bollywood.

Music and Songs

Unlike the typical Bollywood film heavily reliant on lavish song-and-dance numbers, Lipstick Under My Burkha utilizes music delicately to complement the narrative. The soundtrack features a mix of evocative and thematic songs composed by Achint Thakkar. These songs are used sparingly and poignantly, enhancing key emotional moments without disrupting the film's realism.

Some notable songs include:

• – An evocative track that underscores Rehana's hidden world of dance and expression.
• – A soulful melody reflecting the suppressed desires and struggles of the characters.

The vocalists lending their voices add emotional depth to the soundtrack; the songs feature singers like Rekha Bhardwaj and Amrita Singh, known for their evocative singing styles that align perfectly with the film's tone.

Conclusion

Lipstick Under My Burkha stands as a landmark film in contemporary Indian cinema. By centering the narrative on women's nuanced experiences, desires, and rebellion against patriarchal oppression, it thus contributes significantly to feminist discourse in film. With its talented ensemble cast, insightful writing, and fearless direction by Alankrita Shrivastava, the movie offers a compelling, heartfelt, and necessary portrayal of women yearning to break free from societal constraints.

For viewers interested in socially conscious cinema and powerful storytelling, Lipstick Under My Burkha provides an unforgettable cinematic experience that challenges conventions and champions female empowerment.

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