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PANKH Director’s take: Cinema within cinema has always fascinated filmmakers all across the globe. The film industry of each country has characteristics peculiar to their culture. That is what distinguishes them, makes them intriguing and anecdotes associated with each industry in a specific cultural context naturally lend themselves to interesting tales. The story of Baby Kusum is such an intriguing and horrifying tale. It is a story about life imitating art in a grotesque and bizarre way. This film seeks to probe into the mechanism that operates behind the creation of dreams. It highlights a phenomenon that was peculiar and exclusive to the Indian film industry— the practise of casting children in roles opposite to their natural genders. We have had many instances of young girls being cast as boys in films and vice versa. Their screen names used to be changed to suit the gender they were playing on screen. Interestingly, in Raja Harishchandra, the first narrative film made in India, a man portrayed the heroine’s role. It was a common practice in Indian theatre till the middle half of the last century, to cast men in women’s roles. In cinema however, verisimilitude was sought to a greater degree and hence the entire persona of the performer had to be changed to suit the screen image. It is difficult to ascertain gender of children by their appearance. Their clothes and hairdos often demarcate them. So the practice of casting perky kids, who could deliver effortless performances, in roles that were not representing their own gender, was widely practiced in Indian films. This film purports to delve into the psyche of one such person who was forced to assume a gender role other than his natural gender and analyses the disastrous consequences that follow and destroy him in his adulthood. Baby Kusum is the story of a boy burdened with a sexual identity not his own. It is about the brutality of a society that imposes superficial gender codes. It is a story of human suffering and about the tragedy of human predicament. The film tries to explore the complex maze of relationships: the Oedipal, the homosexual, the exploitative. It tears that veil of shame that covers the face of this glamorous profession. Truth stares naked at the face of an audience bred on and allured by the sham of this life. Baby Kusum explores various spaces— the real space, the mind space, the sexual space and the spiritual space. All stand juxtaposed together and often are intermingled to create panoply of gore and blood, of intensity and brutality, of love and shame. Cinematically it confronts the time space continuum. It conjures and jumbles up the time past, the time present and the time operative, all together within the same mental space. It creates a delusion. It provokes and raises several pertinent questions. But it never ignores basic human emotions. That is where it becomes a moral fable, a pious tale. That is where it connects to the common man.
Duration: 98 min
Released: 2010
IMDb Rating: 4.3/10 (101 Votes)
Genre: Drama, Hindi Movies
Stars: Mahesh Manjrekar, Ronit Roy, Bipasha Basu, Lillete Dubey
Directors: Sudipto Chattopadhyay
Writers: Sudipto Chattopadhyay
Year: 2010
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Pankh (2010) - A Glimpse into the Complex World of Gender and Identity
Introduction:
Released in 2010, Pankh is a Hindi drama film that delves deep into the nuances of gender identity and the struggles associated with it. Directed by Sudipto Chattopadhyay, this thought-provoking narrative stands out for its bold storyline and compelling performances. The film showcases how societal expectations and personal aspirations often clash, creating a tapestry rich with emotional depth and layers of human experience.
Plot and Theme:
Pankh revolves around the life of an extraordinary character named Tenzing, who challenges conventional gender norms. The story is a poignant exploration of transgender identity, self-acceptance, and the quest for freedom from societal shackles. Tenzing is born male but embraces femininity, leading to a complex journey filled with trials, tribulations, and heartwarming moments. The film touches upon themes such as gender fluidity, societal alienation, and the search for love and acceptance in a rigidly structured world.
Set against the backdrop of contemporary India, the narrative gently but firmly questions the traditional perspectives on gender roles. It portrays the protagonist’s endeavor to find a place where they can live authentically, surrounded by people who understand and accept their true self.
Main Cast and Characters:
Direction and Writing:
The film is directed by Sudipto Chattopadhyay, who brings sensitivity and authenticity to the storytelling. His directorial vision ensures that the film handles delicate themes with respect and depth without resorting to stereotypes or sensationalism.
The film's scriptwriter is Sudipto Chattopadhyay himself, which lends consistency between the narrative style and the visual execution. The writing stands out for its blend of heartfelt moments and striking social commentary, making the viewer reflect on deeply ingrained prejudices and the courage it takes to defy them.
Music and Soundtrack:
While the film is primarily a drama that focuses on narrative and performance rather than musical spectacle, it features a soundtrack that subtly complements the story's emotional tones. The songs enhance the mood and help in conveying the internal struggles and joys of the characters. Notably, the music supports the cultural milieu without overpowering the film’s central message.
Critical Reception and Impact:
Pankh received appreciation for opening discussions about a subject seldom explored in Indian cinema – the transgender experience and gender fluidity. Critics have praised the film for its courageous storytelling and moving performances, especially highlighting Bipasha Basu’s transformation and dedication to her role.
Though it was not a typical commercial success, the movie carved a niche audience and was lauded for its progressive stand. It serves as an important cultural artifact that challenges the audience to rethink social prejudices and embraces diversity in gender identities.
Conclusion:
Pankh is more than just a movie; it is an eye-opening exploration of identity and acceptance. Through remarkable performances by Bipasha Basu and Lillete Dubey, and the skilled direction of Sudipto Chattopadhyay, it invites viewers to empathize with characters caught between societal norms and personal truths. The film is a commendable effort to bring marginalized voices to mainstream Indian cinema and foster inclusivity and understanding.
For anyone interested in socially relevant cinema that combines drama with meaningful social commentary, Pankh is a must-watch. It remains a significant contribution to Indian films dealing with gender and identity, offering both artistic depth and a heartfelt message.
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