Damul

Damul, directed by Prakash Jha in 1985, is a powerful and dramatic film that sheds light on the debilitating socio-economic and political structures prevalent in the Indian society, particularly in the rural settings. The film boasts a notable star-cast composed of theatre and film veterans including Manohar Singh, Annu Kapoor and Sreela Majumdar.

The movie explores some of the profound issues of feudalism, bonded labour, caste divisions and exploitation of the underprivileged, underscoring the socio-political fabric of 1980’s India. The narrative effectively intertwines several layers of societal problems including extreme poverty, systemic corruption, and social injustice.

At the centre of the narrative, we have Sanjeev Kumar (Annu Kapoor), a conscientious legal advisor, who resolves to fight against the oppressive feudal system. His determination to dismantle the established norm involves challenging the autocratic landlord, played by Manohar Singh, who embodies a system that thrives on oppression and exploitation of the proletariat.

The film adopts its title, Damul, from the local dialect of Bihar which means ‘hanged till death’, a metaphor schematically signifying the unjust subjugation to the highest degree. The film lays the foundation of its discourse by setting a tone of an impending doom, a sense of collective angst and a perspective of a society laden with systemic debasements.

Manohar Singh, playing the antagonist, delivers a powerful performance. He embodies the ruthless landlord and the patriarchal figure who wields power with an ominous five-fold whip called 'Panch-baan'. Singh's character is considered an embodiment of the corrupt, affluent, and influential men who circumvent the very system they promote to prey on society's weak.

Annu Kapoor dives to the heart of his character, Sanjeev Kumar, the young enlightened man who refuses to stay silent in the face of injustice. His portrayal of an intellectual who adopts the role of a rural messiah is touching. Kapoor anchors the film with a portrayal of his character's principles and the relentless quest for justice, which cements his place in the viewer's mind.

Sreela Majumdar's character imparts a touching performance as a representative of the voiceless oppressed group in the society. The female narrative in the film is marked by suppression and struggle against the subjugation and exploitation by men in power. Majumdar’s innate ability to breathe life into her character is evident in the embracing grace with which she portrays the helpless victim of systemic oppression.

Beyond the performances, Damul explores a series of underlying themes that are still profoundly relevant today. It weaves into its plot, issues of gender inequality and the deeply entrenched caste system that cuts across the stratum of Indian society, especially the rural setup.

The screenplay, penned by Shaiwal, eloquently stretches to reveal the malpractices of the corrupt system and the helplessness of numerous victims caught in its jaws. His outstanding work accentuates the command of language and the depiction of harrowing real-life tales being played out against the rustic yet picturesque locations.

The cinematography of the film deserves special mention, skillfully capturing the rural bypasses and dragging the audience to the centre of the action. The raw and grainy shots, austere landscapes, and close-up frames add a layer of authenticity to the storyline.

Music and sound design used in the film are also ingeniously composed. The background score is minimalistic yet impactful in highlighting the plight of oppressed classes, resonating with the audience's emotions long after the film concludes.

In conclusion, Damul is more than a piece of entertainment; it's a telling exploration of the human condition in an unjust society. The film's blend of powerful performances, engaging script, meaningful dialogues, and seamless direction combine to create a narrative that transcends time and space, establishing Damul as a classic in Indian cinema and Prakash Jha as a master storyteller. As a seminal film, Damul serves as a stark reminder of a socio-political system's harsh reality that has confined its citizens to a lifetime of despair and hopelessness.