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BHUBANESWAR: The fifth day of Indian Film Festival of Bhubaneswar was marked by the screening of Marathi movie Ajji, which was based on the issue of rape.
The story depicts the life of Manda, a minor, who was found raped and dumped in a trash heap in her slum. Her parents were more concerned about their survival then dignity and hence, wanted to forget and move on. The cops were powerless to help as the rapist was the son of a local politician.
Being Devashish Makhija’s debut in direction of feature film, Ajji is latest in a long line of movies on the theme of rape/assault revenge drama in recent years. Mom and Maatr all carry a similar storyline and elements.
The story shows the dark truth faced by rape victims. The work is a startling depiction of the plight of victims and how they are abandoned by our criminal justice system. Most victims and families are driven to the point where they had to take the matter to their own hands. The portrayal of protagonist Ajji by actor Sushama Deshpande was appreciated by the entire audience.
Archana Pandey, a NIFT student, said, “The movie depicts the dark truth about the situation faced by rape victims and their families. The character of Ajji played by Deshpande endures her body’s inconveniences and ministers to her granddaughter’s wounds tenderly. She takes to the streets at night, stalking her prey. The movie is a dark take on red riding hood.
Ankita Dubey said, “The movie is one of the most hard hitting and riveting piece of work that you can find in contemporary Indian cinema. It’s gutsy, honest and reveals the filmmaker’s rage on screen. It questions the audience on what course action they would have taken if they faced a similar situation. The movie urged viewers to fight for justice with even meager resources.
Sansktiti said, “Our country has seen a lot of rape cases in recent times. The whole nation has condemned such incidents with one voice. The entire system has failed to curb such heinous crimes. Ajji was undoubtedly the most engaging movie screened today.”
Ghatasradha, directed by Girish Kasaravalli in 1997, was next in line. It was about a young Brahmin student of a Vedic school. He was from an aristocratic family. He befriends his master’s daughter, who happened to be a pregnant widow. The boy tries hard but fails to conceal his friend’s pregnancy. The widow was forced to go through an abortion. This was followed by an
eponymous ritual on her along with her excommunicated.
Ave Maria, a Malayalam film directed by Vipin Radha Krishnan, was next to be screened. Rex, a diffident, pervasive man, who works as a driver in the holy town of Velankanni meet Maria Gomez was a Catholic devotee with strong religious beliefs. Later, Maria takes the help of Rex for completing couple of her errands.
Railway Children, directed by Prithvi Konanuris, is about a 12-year-old boy Raju, who arrives in a city. He’s soon sucked into a gang run by ‘Solution’ that deals with petty crimes. A new life of adventure begins away from home.
The Cut, a masterpiece by Fatih Akin, was also a part of Monday’s screenings. In 1915, a man survives the Armenian genocide, but loses his family and faith. When he learns his twin daughters may be alive, he embarks on a quest to find them. The entire day was filled with such engrossing movies.