Masaan

Masaan, a critically acclaimed film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan that premiered at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, is a poignant social drama that brings forth the stories of its characters who are ensnared by the socio-cultural labyrinth in the city of Varanasi, India. The film casts a hard and unflinching gaze into the chasms of the Indian society, showcasing with authentic subtlety, the clashing tides between tradition and change. Featuring a talented ensemble cast including Richa Chadha, Sanjay Mishra, Vicky Kaushal, Shweta Tripathi, and Pankaj Tripathi, the film divulges a touching narrative that intricately entwines the destiny of its characters in the most heart-wrenching manner.

Masaan, which translates to crematorium, dares to explore the more somber aspects of life and death, primarily framed against the backdrop of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, one of the oldest and sacred cremation sites in India. The narrative splinters into two distinct storyline strands that follow the lives of four main characters, all grappling with a personal crisis barely veiled under the superficial tranquility of the city.

The first narrative arc delves into the life of Devi (Richa Chadha), a spirited, educated woman who finds herself in a socially compromising situation. The character blossoms under Chadha's brilliant portrayal, as she deals with the multifaceted adversity of societal judgement, personal regret, and an ongoing police investigation spearheaded by a morally ambiguous inspector (played by Bhagwan Tiwari). Alongside her narrative runs the story of her father, Vidyadhar Pathak (Sanjay Mishra), trying to make ends meet, and in the process, caught in a web of corruption and redemption.

On the other side of the Ganges, we are ushered into the somber yet warm world of Deepak (Vicky Kaushal), a young, ambitious man born into the Dom community, the low-caste clan appointed with the task of burning corpses at the ghats. Despite the oppressive shadow of his caste-based occupation, Deepak dreams of a better life beyond the ghats, one carved out of a college degree and a stable, dignified job. But his dreams are quenched when he meets and falls in love with Shaalu (Shweta Tripathi), a perky, literature-loving girl from an upper-caste family. Their tender love story becomes the gentle heartbeat amid the pervasive air of despair and inevitable social constraints.

Masaan unveils the complex tapestry of casteism, corruption, distressing gender dynamics, and the crushing weight of social traditions woven within the fabric of a rapidly-changing society straddling the cusp of modernity and traditions. The screenplay, penned by Varun Grover, weaves a gripping tale that testifies to the quiet resilience of its characters against the tide of societal prejudices. Cinematographer Avinash Arun paints a visceral portrait of Varanasi, capturing the life, death, and rites on the ghats with an almost sacred reverence – the slow-burning pyres, the Ganges ebbing and flowing, and the cityscape bathed in a surreal, ethereal glow.

Despite the complex narrative tapestry, the filmmakers abstain from turning Masaan into a soulless mirror reflecting societal decay. Instead, they endow it with a profound emotional honesty proven by its depiction of the conflict between generations and traditions, the universal longing for love and acceptance and the ultimate quest for salvation in an often inhospitable society.

The film’s audacity to confront the unpalatable realities and the perceptive sensitivity with which it deals with subjects like casteism, moral policing and morality transforms it from a simple narrative to a tale that resonates with the viewers, causing them to reflect on their individual realities and the society at large. The performances by Richa Chadha, Sanjay Mishra, and Vicky Kaushal craft a parable of human emotions, conflicts, and resilience.

Masaan is an elegant culmination of powerful performances, hauntingly beautiful cinematography, and deft storytelling carved into an intimate portrait of life, love, and despair. It is more than just a movie; it is a piece of art etched with the beauty and ugliness of life, and a reminder of the impermanence of our existence. Despite being nestled within the grim realities of life, the film leaves a hint of hope – like a flickering candle amidst an expanse of darkness, proving that even in the face of despair, there will always be hope and resilience to carry us forward.