Ankur

Ankur (1974), directed by Shyam Benegal, is a critically acclaimed Indian drama film that explores the nature of human relationships, the essence of power dynamics, and the nuances of socio-economic and cultural disparities in the rural Zaripatna village of India. The narrative dares to delve into the depths of timeless societal issues, making it a movie that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

The film features acting stalwarts Shabana Azmi, Sadhu Meher, and Anant Nag. It marks Shabana Azmi's debut in the Indian cinema and her compelling performance won her a National Film Award, cementing her position as one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema.

Anant Nag appears as Surya, the son of a traditional landowner (Zamindar) who must temporarily adopt his father's responsibilities when his father leaves the estate under his control for a while. Anant’s remarkable portrayal of a patriarchal character, grappling with rapid transitions, societal nuances and complexities could refine pathos with his performance. Surya's character carries the patrician air of superiority, born out of his societal status, yet his yearning for acceptance exposes him as a person caught between tradition and modernity.

Shabana Azmi plays Lakshmi—an obedient, vulnerable, but inherently strong and resilient character, married to a mute, hard-working potter Kishtaya (played by Sadhu Meher). Her character lives in the thatched house on the outskirts of the landholder’s estate. Shabana Azmi renders Lakshmi's character with a rare depth, showcasing her evolving assertiveness within the cultural constraints placed on her.

Sadhu Meher, as the silently suffering Kishtaya, puts up a stellar show too. While Kishtaya carries a burden of feeling less masculine due to his disability and consequent inability to fulfill certain responsibilities, his journey of self-acceptance and pursuit of self-respect unfolds in a sublime manner.

What emerges in the plot is a tangled triad of relationships between Surya, Lakshmi, and Kishtaya, each character complicated and flawed in their own ways, trying to navigate through a transgressive space while facing uniquely challenging circumstances.

Director Shyam Benegal employs subtlety as an effective tool to portray the oppressive nature of social hierarchies that existed in rural India at that time. The movie subtly brings to light the themes of exploitation and switches in power roles, all set amidst a backdrop of intense human emotion. The movie does not shy away from showcasing the harsh realities of life in an Indian village and the complexities of relationships within the bounds of societal norms.

The impeccable cinematography by Govind Nihalani adds another layer of richness to the narrative by aesthetically capturing the true essence of rural India. The director's conscious effort to use the elements of nature as metaphorical devices, like when Lakshmi sowing seeds in the barren land signifies the germination of her self-esteem, paints a vivid image in the viewer's mind.

The movie's edgy narrative is complemented with a captivating musical score by Vanraj Bhatia. The song ‘Mero Gaam Katha Parey’, sung by Preeti Sagar, became an anthem of sorts, its haunting melody echoing the heart-rending story of the desolate village.

"Ankur" received a plethora of national and international recognitions and proved to be a milestone in the era of parallel cinema in India. It is a movie not just limited to entertainment, but one that forces introspection, underlining the sharp social commentary beneath the visually engaging narrative. The film deserves a watch for its brutally honest portrayal of rustic India and the exploration of human frailty, resilience, societal expectations, and abuse of power. The narrative stays with you long after the credits roll, making you reflect on issues larger than life.