Rubaru Roshni

Rubaru Roshni is a gripping and thought-provoking Indian documentary film that was initially released on television in early 2019 on the occasion of India's Republic Day. This powerful film was produced by Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao under the banner of their renowned production company, Aamir Khan Productions. Despite being a documentary, Rubaru Roshni is an immersive cinematic experience that won't let you forget it hours after you have watched it.

This enlightening documentary is an exceptional snippet of Aamir Khan's contribution to the film industry, where he has produced riveting content that often stretches beyond the typical Bollywood masalas. He is known for earnestly bringing forth harsh realities of society and compelling viewers to reflect on their perspectives.

Rubaru Roshni is directed by Svati Chakravarty Bhatkal who was the co-director of Satyamev Jayate, a television show also produced by Aamir Khan focussed on addressing social issues in India. In this documentary, she brings forth an extraordinary narration of seemingly ordinary people, rendering the storytelling more profound and realistic. Her vision and detailing in the exploration of human feelings will leave everyone intrigued and heartfelt.

The film is divided into three segments, each deep-diving into a separate true story. These narratives are independent of each other yet subtly connected through a common thread - forgiveness. The narratives unravel in a way that takes the viewer on an intense emotional journey. Each story surprisingly babysits you and then hits you hard with the realisation of its depth, while ensuring to tread softly on the sensitive ground.

The first story is named ‘Avni’, set against the backdrop of a high-profile political assassination in India, and portrays the hardships endured by Avni, whose father was killed.

The second story titled ‘Afshar’, revolves around multiple layers of familial relationships and consequences triggered by a series of devastating events. Afshar is the second eldest amongst his siblings and belongs to an Indian Muslim family based in Mumbai.

The third and the final story called ‘Mishko & Grisha’, takes the viewer overseas and enlightens them about the harrowing incidents that continued in Post-Soviet Armenia, long after the conflict had officially ended.

Each of these segments begins with the representation of stark tragedies and their after-effects, culminating in a dramatic climax which instead of seeking vengeance, finds a room for forgiveness and redemption. It explores how these victims, who have had life-changing experiences, handle grief, guilt, anger, vengeance and the overwhelming desire to understand why such unfortunate incidents occurred in the first place.

Rubaru Roshni offers a novel perspective on victims and perpetrators, testing the age-old conception of good and evil and challenges our firmly held views about crime and punishment. It aims to inspire conversations around forgiveness, justice, revenge and the human capability to heal.

Aamir Khan has a brief but impactful narration role in the film, where he provides thought-provoking insights on the meaning of life, forgiveness, and redemption. His narrations occur at crucial points in the documentary to guide the audience through the difficult questions asked of society and the introspection which follows after each segment.

The film does not make use of colorful gimmicks or dramatic recreations to tell its stories, instead, it relies on interviews, real-life footages and the characters' dialogues to recreate the posture of the incidents and the emotions they brought with them. The film's strength lies in its simplicity and ability to communicate a powerful message which resonates on a global level.

Rubaru Roshni, which translates to 'Face to face with light' in English, emerges as a beacon of hope, compassion and understanding in a world torn apart by violence, vengeance and misunderstandings. This is a rare film that compels the audience to question their understanding and perception of justice and vengeance.

In conclusion, Rubaru Roshni is an authentic and heart-piercing film that unfolds like a gripping novel with every story leaving an indelible mark on the viewer's conscience. Its provocative narrative brings front and center the complex issue of forgiveness in a way that is seldom matched in Indian cinema. Thanks to the sheer brilliance of Svati Chakravarty Bhatkal's direction and Aamir Khan's unwavering commitment to telling sensitive and crucial stories, Rubaru Roshni is a thought-provoking documentary that is sure to challenge and sober viewers across the globe.