Parched - Impressive but not thought provoking

Cast: Tannishta Chaterjee, Radhika Apte, Surveen Chawla, Leher Khan and Sumeet Vyas

Rating: 3.5/5

Over the last few years we have seen many Bollywood films based on women and the troubles they face in the society on a daily basis. Almost all the films have been critically acclaimed and few have also made a mark at the box office. While many have focused on women from urban India, very few have thrown light on the ones living in the interiors of Indian villages. We are quite aware that the voice of a woman living in a city is heard, but what about the bias, torture and discrimination faced by the ones deep inside the nation?

Director Leena Yadav and producer Ajay Devgn's recent release 'Parched' strives to do voice their opinion and show their problems. Four women from a village in Gujarat manage themselves and/or their families, earn their bread and do their daily chores as all women do. But inspite of all this, they face prejudice from the ever so proud community of men. Why not deserve the same amount of love, respect and rights as the men do? Sadly, this question even today remains unanswered.

The film revolves around Rani (Tannishta Chaterjee), Lajjo (Radhika Apte), Bijli (Surveen Chawla) and Rani's daughter in law Jaanki (Leher Khan). Rani is a widow and has a son who is in his teens. She is the bread earner of the house and unfortunately hasn't had sex or been an attraction to any man for a long time in life, post her partner's death. She gets her son Gulab (Riddhi Sen) married against his wish and brings home Jaanki, as her daughter in law. Her troubles in life are mostly to deal with her son who is on the wrong path and carries a disgusting mentality about women, just like many other men do in that village. Lajjo, Rani's friend, is married but sadly is not able to conceive. This issue brings her a lot of trouble, pain and she eventually becomes the victim of domestic violence. While her husband knows what the real reason is, his pride and ego does not allow let him to bow and accept the truth. She tries to please him in every manner, but all her efforts do not see any success.

Bijli is a dancer and a prostitute. All her life she has only served and entertained men. Her habit of quenching their thirst has occupied all the time of her life. Unfortunately the illiterate, shrewd and yet so proud men have only used her and not respected her ever. Her quest and innumerable efforts to seek love and respect is all that troubles her. Jaanki, Rani's daughter in law is married to Gulab. The 15 year girl is forced to get married as per the community norms. The marriage shown here is more of a trade than Jaanki being sent to the new house with love and respect. She deals with Gulab's hatred, adjusting to a new place and living with the guilt of being away from her boyfriend.

How do these women find their space, love, respect and freedom is what makes the crux of Parched.

The story and the plot of the film is interesting and rather unusual. We all are very well aware of the lives and norms people in the rural areas live with, but not much has been spoken about. Director Leena Yadav has beautifully captured those emotions and stories in the film. There are many such issues women face everyday, but the most important ones are what depicted wonderfully in the film. What's disappointing about the story is the fact that the emotions aren't hard hitting, thereby fails to deliver the pain. The blame for this, according to me, goes to the screenplay and editor(s). The film has a clear storyline but seems long, and that is due to the repetitive emotions - where the message is conveyed over and over again in different ways.

All the actors are of great calibre and have an impressive screen presence. All the women have ensured that their pain and emotions are felt and translated. Of all the actresses, Radhika Apte excelled in her role. Scenes where she is brutally beaten by her husband are heart wrenching. Tannishta and Surveen have shown immense strength and pride in their characters which comes across very well, all through the film. Riddhi Sen, Sumeet Vyas and other characters in the film have also delivered their characters efficiently, but here women power clearly rules.

Visuals are stunning. Some scenes are shot exceptionally well, especially the ones in the desert during the night, under the moonlight. Costumes and the set are appealing too. Music is fairly good and not exceptional. While the dialogues have been written and performed keeping the local accent in mind, they fail to impress. There are no strong dialogues or lines or metaphors used.

Overall, Parched is an impressive attempt to deliver a strong, untold message. Kudos to the director, writer and the actors for delivering the same. While the efforts are much appreciated, the message doesn't hit one hard, hence it isn't delivered efficiently. I'd urge the audience to watch it for the thought, efforts and most importantly the performers.