Cast: Raj Singh Chaudhary, Swati Sen, Vinay Pathak, Akhilendra Mishra, Jaya Bhattacharya
Director: Sushil Rajpal
Rating: ***
This one is inspired from a true story. And the fact that the male protagonist has apparently been fighting his case for over 30 years makes the story even more stunning, though less bizarre. Dowry as an issue has been listed among the great social problems of India. But that an offshoot of the problem could be as crazy as groom kidnapping is rarely a part of our awareness. And that it was prevalent since ages is even more stunning.
'Antardwand' is the story of a guy being kidnapped and forcefully being married off to a girl. The story is set in Indian mainland – Bihar. Raghu (Raj) returns to his home in Bihar to tell his parents that he has a girlfriend in Delhi, where he studied. But his parents refuse to accept the girl. Raghu walks out of home in anger and is kidnapped. While he is left bewildered at first, he realises that he has been kidnapped by the father of a girl in his village. He is beaten and drugged into marriage with her.
While the screenplay works in bringing out just the right emotions, it is all about the situations. While Raghu is dejected, Janaki (Swati Sen) who he marries is helpless. Mahender Babu (Akhilendra Mishra) is just hoping that his daughter will be able to pacify the now son-in-law to accept her. Though he kidnapped him, he had only hopes to have got a good husband for his daughter like a few others he knows did.
The film ends when the drama reaches its height. Though the end makes you wish for poetic justice, real life does not necessarily have one.
What's remarkable about 'Antardwand' is that while telling its own story the film also unveils many of the dirt bags of the legendary Indian culture – right from dowry, male supremacy, low female literacy, human rights violation in the name of social acceptance. The film also gives a glimpse at the law and order loopholes in smaller pockets of the country.
Though the film could have been shot and edited better, the music works. The performances are highlights. Raj Singh Chaudhary, who was last seen in 'Gulaal', comes up with another great show of his talent. Swati Sen justifies her award for Best Actress at MAMI. Vinay Pathak and Akhilendra Mishra pack power into their characters. Their efforts are made more noteworthy because of great dialogues and right accent.
'Antardwad' tells what it seeks to. And it does that in a great way! This film provokes thoughts and discussions – which hopefully would lead to change. With this film, director Sushil Rajpal brings some respite in a week filled with mediocrity.
By Noyon Jyoti Parasara / Sanskriti Media & Entertainment
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Director: Sushil Rajpal
Rating: ***
This one is inspired from a true story. And the fact that the male protagonist has apparently been fighting his case for over 30 years makes the story even more stunning, though less bizarre. Dowry as an issue has been listed among the great social problems of India. But that an offshoot of the problem could be as crazy as groom kidnapping is rarely a part of our awareness. And that it was prevalent since ages is even more stunning.
'Antardwand' is the story of a guy being kidnapped and forcefully being married off to a girl. The story is set in Indian mainland – Bihar. Raghu (Raj) returns to his home in Bihar to tell his parents that he has a girlfriend in Delhi, where he studied. But his parents refuse to accept the girl. Raghu walks out of home in anger and is kidnapped. While he is left bewildered at first, he realises that he has been kidnapped by the father of a girl in his village. He is beaten and drugged into marriage with her.While the screenplay works in bringing out just the right emotions, it is all about the situations. While Raghu is dejected, Janaki (Swati Sen) who he marries is helpless. Mahender Babu (Akhilendra Mishra) is just hoping that his daughter will be able to pacify the now son-in-law to accept her. Though he kidnapped him, he had only hopes to have got a good husband for his daughter like a few others he knows did.
The film ends when the drama reaches its height. Though the end makes you wish for poetic justice, real life does not necessarily have one.
What's remarkable about 'Antardwand' is that while telling its own story the film also unveils many of the dirt bags of the legendary Indian culture – right from dowry, male supremacy, low female literacy, human rights violation in the name of social acceptance. The film also gives a glimpse at the law and order loopholes in smaller pockets of the country.
Though the film could have been shot and edited better, the music works. The performances are highlights. Raj Singh Chaudhary, who was last seen in 'Gulaal', comes up with another great show of his talent. Swati Sen justifies her award for Best Actress at MAMI. Vinay Pathak and Akhilendra Mishra pack power into their characters. Their efforts are made more noteworthy because of great dialogues and right accent.
'Antardwad' tells what it seeks to. And it does that in a great way! This film provokes thoughts and discussions – which hopefully would lead to change. With this film, director Sushil Rajpal brings some respite in a week filled with mediocrity.
By Noyon Jyoti Parasara / Sanskriti Media & Entertainment
