Anahat

"Anahat," a Marathi word for 'unstruck sound,' is a 2003 film directed by Amol Palekar that revolves around the themes of love, relationships, and the deep-seated gender biases entrenched in our society. The film casts the captivating Sonali Bendre, with seasoned actors like Anant Nag and Deepti Naval providing a brilliant supporting framework.

Set in the 10th century AD, the narrative takes place in the ancient city of Mithila, known for its deep-rooted traditions and terrorizing patriarchal norms. The timeless nature of the setting, bathed in sepia tones, provides a stunning backdrop to the unfolding drama. The film draws context from the age-old rule of Niyoga, a practice allowing a woman to bear a child from a man other than her husband, if her husband is impotent.

Sonali Bendre, the central character, plays the role of the regal queen, Sheelavati. Married to the impotent king Madan Sena (Anant Nag), Sheelavati is a life-like portrayal of grace under pressure. Bendre does an excellent job capturing the complex emotions and paradoxical situations her character faces. She essayed the internal struggles of the queen, burdened by her duty to produce an heir and trapped by societal norms. Throughout the movie, it is inspiring to see her strength and resilience despite all adversities.

Anant Nag as King Madan Sena offers a gripping performance. Despite the exterior of an unyielding, impassive king, he touchingly captures the king's struggle against his impotence and the societal implications of it. He wrestles with his limitations, faultlessly reflecting the vulnerability and insecurity that arises from his inability to father a child.

Deepthi Naval, in the pivotal role of a friend and advisor to the queen, dispenses wisdom and support with an air of quiet dignity. Naval’s perfectly restrained performance adds heft to the narrative. Tej, portrayed by Maay, is the selected Niyog man chosen to impregnate the queen. His brief but impactful appearance adds another layer to the intricate plot.

The narrative is woven with matured dialogues that raise poignant questions about societal conventions, the meaning of love, and the role of a woman in the socio-political world. Amol Palekar shines the spotlight on the archaic practice of Niyoga and orchestrates a profound dialog centered around a woman's place in a patriarchal society. His mastery in extracting the best from his actors, combined with his deft handling of a tricky subject, is indicated in every frame of the film.

The cinematography is visually stunning, capturing the era and the emotions perfectly. From the royal grandeur of the palace to the quiet humdrum of everyday life, the camera lens pictorially narrates the tale. The music is minimally used and provides an appropriately subtle undercurrent to the intense drama unfolding on screen.

"Anahat" manages to underscore the sensitive subject of a woman's identity and sexuality being subjected to societal validation and male ownership. It invites viewers to reflect on the discomforting similarities between yesteryears and the present society. It ruminates on the harsh realities that women face in both worlds and forces us to examine our prejudices and biases.

Throughout its runtime, "Anahat" beautifully straddles the dichotomy of desire against duty, love against societal validation, and individual freedom against cultural norms. The film, in its essence, is an exploration of a woman's identity beyond her societal roles.

Despite its grim theme, "Anahat" is not a heavy watch. The treatment of the plot is such that it subtly seeps into the viewer's consciousness and leaves an indelible mark. This riveting movie is certainly a must-watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema that provides societal commentary while also entertaining with compelling performances. With unforgettable performances, an engaging storyline and a relevant message, "Anahat" makes for a significant contribution to Indian cinema.