Chaarfutiya Chhokare

Chaarfutiya Chhokare, released in 2014, is a Hindi social thriller film that bravely takes on the gloom-and-doom reality of topics such as child trafficking and prostitution. This movie, helmed by director Manish Harishankar and produced by Sunill Khosla and Vibha Dutta Khosla, features Soha Ali Khan, Zakir Hussain, and Seema Biswas in prominent roles.

The film sets ground in rural Bihar, India, exposing the grim reality of the most discrepancies-affected sector in the country. The protagonist Neha Malini, portrayed by Soha Ali Khan, is an overseas Software Engineer who plans to spend her well-earned vacation time constructing a school in her parents' native village. A bright and independent woman, Neha manages to raise the necessary funds for her project and returns to India with a desire to contribute to society's development.

Soha Ali Khan, in the role of Neha, emphasizes a determination and conviction that reflects her character's unwavering dedication towards her philanthropic cause. Khan's performance in the film ensures that despite being thrust into unexpected circumstances, Neha's character doesn't lose her strength or belief in the project she undertakes.

Upon reaching Bihar, Neha befriends three local children- Awadhesh, Hari, and Gorakh called Chaarfutiya Chhokare out of fondness. Translated, the term implies four quarters and a dollar summing up to make a total that indicates the budding friendships between them. These children, despite their tender years, appear hardened by life's harsh realities. The viewers are allowed an insight into their world, which encompasses a disheartening sphere of immoral practices persistently tainting the community's innocence and purity.

Awadhesh, Hari, and Gorakh played by actors Harsh Mayar, Shankar Mandal, and Divya Jagdale have brought a drastic and rough reality to the screen. Their performances are nuanced, and they seamlessly embody children who've been pushed into a world of crime. Their roles of being witnesses to human agony and partaking in it adds a depth of understanding about unspoken societal evils.

Zakir Hussain, the cynosure of all negative aspects of the storyline, has deftly played the role of a village goon reigning terror. His menacing performance amplifies the conflicts and societal distinctions prevailing in the rustic milieu. Seema Biswas, in her character, brings forth a perfect blend of intrusiveness and concern showing an array of emotions making her a standout in the film.

Chaarfutiya Chhokare presents a clear depiction of the prevailing corruption and societal decay in underprivileged rural settings. The plot of the film reflects the unfortunate reality of children being drawn into criminality and exposes the pervasive power struggles, corruption, and treachery that exist beneath the surface of these rural communities.

The screenplay of the film, penned down by director Manish Harishankar himself does not shy away from showing the brutalities faced by marginalized communities and the children within them. At its heart, though, it is a film about resistance, audacity, and the power of the human spirit to stand up against wrongdoing.

The movie is remarkably accurate in its representation of the harsh realities of rural life as it doesn't sensationalize or romanticize the darker aspects. Instead, it presents a grim picture of circumstances with a gritty realism that is at times hard to watch but essential in understanding the importance of the social issues it discusses.

The music score by Abhijeet - Sameer, composed to perfection, offers a blend of soul-touching melodies and riveting situational songs that further intensify the movie's overall feel. Cinematography by V.Balaji captures the stark contrast between the tranquility of rural landscapes and the disturbing undercurrents of societal evils.

While the movie has its share of chilling sequences, it offers a ray of hope in the form of Neha, the protagonist who, despite the adversities, continues to wage a fierce battle against the malign social practices that are entrenched in the village's fabric.

Chaarfutiya Chhokare is a film to watch if you're interested in cinema that endeavors to initiate conversations about grave societal issues while conveying a powerful message through a compelling storyline. This movie was an undaunted attempt to amplify the voices of marginalized children while giving the audience a glimpse of an unfortunate reality. Not an easy watch by any means, it is still a noteworthy addition to the realm of socially relevant Indian cinema.