Ajji

Ajji is an edgy and thought-provoking 2017 Indian drama film in the Marathi language. The film's title translates to "Granny" in Marathi, reflecting the central character of the narrative, Ajji, who is passionately portrayed by renowned actress Sushama Deshpande. Critical supporting performances are offered by Smita Tambe and Sharvani Suryavanshi, but it's Deshpande's compelling performance that anchors the film, while the storyline continues to shock and compel in equal measure. Directed by Devashish Makhija and produced by Yoodle Films, this dark yet powerful film took the Indian cinema by storm and impressed the critics at numerous film festivals.

Set against the backdrop of a bustling yet dingy and not-so-friendly neighborhood in Mumbai, the film offers a grim narrative that is dramatically honest and raw. The film revolves around Ajji, a character whose world is flipped upside down when she learns about the brutal sexual assault of her ten-year-old granddaughter, Manda. Pushed into the abyss of despair and helplessness, Ajji navigates a tortuous path that has been unjustly thrust upon her granddaughter and herself.

What is unique about "Ajji" is how it addresses one of society's most heinous crimes through the perspective of an aging, powerless woman. Sushama Deshpande, as Ajji, delivers a gripping performance that oscillates seamlessly between the gentleness of a caring grandmother and a burning ember of revulsion against the injustice. Equally significant are the performances of Smita Tambe and Sharvani Suryavanshi, which lend the narrative its necessary depth and intensify the film's emotional fabric.

Ajji, once an active woman, now suffers from arthritis - a condition acutely captured in Deshpande’s performance and one that the movie uses as a metaphor for weakness and wallowing societal laws. Amidst the stark realities of this unforgiving metropolis where corruption and greed govern the law and relieve the rich and powerful of their sins, Ajji's spirit refuses to be stifled.

The movie weaves in several sociopolitical messages and commentaries in its plot. For one, it critiques the uselessness of the law enforcement agencies. In a society where the rich and powerful seem to enjoy an invisible shield of immunity, it points to the terrifying reality of the victims of such heinous crimes who are often met with doors slammed in their face when seeking justice. By personifying these grim truths in the character of Ajji, the film highlights the appalling effects of dependability, corruption, and the grass-root power dynamics of the third world.

However, Ajji is not just a commentary; it's also about the resilience of the human spirit. Despite her physical frailties, Ajji's spirit stands strong, channeled into a determination to seek justice, pushing the narrative into the realm of revenge. As the narrative takes a harrowing turn, it unveils the role of Ajji as she assumes the fight against an inherently unjust system, and it's here that the film gathers its real pace and plunges into the grueling world of vigilantism.

Makhija portrays the social reality and the raw emotions associated with it without sugarcoating or romanticizing the cause. His narrative is intense, brutal, and strikes hard on the face of the audiences. He crafts the scenes meticulously and uses the milieu of a seedy city to his advantage, creating a hauntingly atmospheric film.

In conclusion, Ajji is not your typical commercial film, rather it's a bold, stark and hard-hitting cinematic piece. It is a narrative on the current sociopolitical climate of India, yet its exploration of themes like violence against women and individuals taking a stand could resonate with audiences worldwide. This film demonstrates the strength of Indian independent cinema and is a testament to its growing global reach. The performances, setting, and storyline are woven together seamlessly to create a cinematic experience leaving the audience in solemn reflection.