Fandry

Fandry is a remarkable Indian film, directed by Nagraj Manjule in 2013. The film features emerging talents, Somnath Awghade, Rajeshwari Kharat, and Suraj Pawar, whose performances add to the depth and essence of the storyline. The title Fandry is a Marathi colloquial term, often used as a pejorative label for the blacksmith community. This film holds forth to represent a broader picture, offering a piercing comment on India's harsh caste realities.

Set against the rural landscapes of Maharashtra, India, Fandry is a poignant tale of a young boy named Jabya (played by Somnath Awghade). Jabya is a member of the marginalized Kaikadi community, traditionally known as pig-catchers in the societal hierarchy. The film endearingly portrays Jabya's journey amidst societal constraints and prejudices. Amid the trappings of poverty and caste discrimination, Jabya's innocence and dreams play an intimate part. He is a young character who likes to break free from prejudiced societal chains through passionate imagination and an unyielding spirit of resilience.

One of the film's central plotlines revolves around Jabya's budding love for Shalu (played by Rajeshwari Kharat), a girl who belongs to an upper caste. Shalu is portrayed as Jabya's silent crush, and the way he gazes at her, hopes, and pursues is both innocent and heartwarming. It also reflects the daring attempts of a young boy motivated by his adoration for someone whom the societal norms consider out of his league.

Nevertheless, Fandry is not just a teenage love story. It's a reflection of larger caste-related and societal issues prevalent in Indian rural society. The film's strength lies in its portrayal of the dynamics within the village, the power struggles, societal impressions, and the helplessness of the marginalized against the social normative.

The contrast between the dexterity of Jabya and his family, who represent an oppressed, marginalized community, and the scorn of an insensitive society, is depicted with unflinching honesty. Unabashed scenes of the 'untouchable' community catching and disposing of pigs reveal the harsh realities of caste oppression. The film also questions the societal burdens carried on the shoulders of young boys and girls, who struggle to understand and navigate a society fraught with discrimination.

Fandry is indeed a powerful commentary on the social construct of caste that binds and shapes Indian society. It simultaneously explores and critiques the hypocrisy and dehumanization emerging from the age-old caste system. Charming and haunting in equal measure, the film delves into themes of love, casteism, dreams, and disparities. The characters designed by Manjule voice out a story that might otherwise have remained unheard, unvoiced.

The movie is hard-hitting, with a narrative built with sensitivity and insight. It profoundly underlines the resilience of human spirit, painting a realistic picture of rural India, where dreams aren't dictated by heart or mind but are instead circumvented by societal norms. Nagraj Manjule, the director of Fandry, presents these intense, complex issues cinema with eloquence and poignance, leaving audiences with a lasting impact.

Accompanied by an equally stirring soundtrack, Fandry narrates not only the struggles of an individual or a family but mirrors the turmoil and hardships faced by communities trapped in the debilitating snare of caste-based discrimination in many parts of India even today. The movie also highlights the contrasting picture of new India, which on one hand, is making leaps in science, technology, economy but on the other hand, is grappling with deep-rooted prejudices of caste, religion, and discrimination.

Presented with sincerity, every scene of this film fits together powerfully, unraveling thought-provoking metaphors within a seemingly simple narrative. Be it Jabya's pursuit for a rare Black Sparrow for good luck, or his untiring efforts to earn money for a simple pair of jeans, Fandry touches upon various aspects of life, dreams, and realities through the eyes of a young boy.

In conclusion, Fandry is a must-watch eye-opener, a bold film that captures the stark reality of caste oppression within the weave of a young boy's life, ambitions, and emotions. With stellar performances by the cast, exceptional direction by Nagraj Manjule, and gripping screenplay, the tragic yet motivational tale is bound to linger in the hearts of viewers long after the end credits roll.