Susman

Susman (also known as 'The Essence') is a gripping Bollywood drama film, directed by the celebrated Indian film director, Shyam Benegal. The film was released in 1987, and it has left an indelible mark on the Indian cinema owing to its engaging theme, realistic portrayal of characters, and a strong social message. It stars renowned actors like Shabana Azmi, Om Puri, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda in pivotal roles.

Susman sets its narrative against the backdrop of a remote rural village in India. The storyline is predominantly centered around the lives of handloom weavers, a community plagued by the rapid onslaught of mechanization during the 80s. This industrialization not only threatens their livelihood but also challenges their centuries-old traditional craftmanship. Amidst the harrowing clouds of uncertainties and deprivations, the film sheds light on their struggle for existence and their fierce determination to keep their cultural heritage alive.

Shabana Azmi, a stalwart in Indian Cinema, delivers a compelling performance as a rustic village woman. With convincing finesse, she articulates the myriad shades of her character, be it grit, resilience, or vulnerability. Om Puri, a seasoned actor known for his nuanced performances, plays a passionate handloom weaver to perfection. His character endeavors to withstand the hostile forces of industrialization. Complementing them is Kulbhushan Kharbanda, who brilliantly essays a strong supporting role, enriching the entire narrative.

The director, Shyam Benegal, is known for his socially-relevant films. He, once again, makes a striking statement with Susman. The film is a compelling study of the conflict between tradition and modernity, exploring it through the lives of struggling handloom weavers. Benegal’s portrayal of the crisis brewing in the rural heartlands of India during the era of rapid industrialization comes across as raw, real, and resoundingly profound. He crafts a compelling narrative, seizing every opportunity to convey the bitter realities of the weavers' lives.

Susman artfully highlights the socio-economic challenges faced by these artisans due to heavily subsidized mass-produced textile goods, the terrible living conditions, the struggle to sustain basic livelihood, and the gloomy prospects of their future. Additionally, Susman also throws light on their fraught relationships caused by the unsettling environment they live in.

The movie is punctuated with dramatic sequences that mirror the hard-hitting ground realities, cased in beautiful storytelling. As the story unfolds, it underscores prevalent issues such as exploitation of the marginalized communities, corruption, and the shrinking space for traditional crafts in the face of capitalism.

The cinematography of Susman is visually striking. It captures the rustic flavor of rural India with a touch of rawness that complements the narrative. The setting paints a vivid picture of the life and craft of handloom weaving, highlighting the love and pride that weavers have for their art. It also enhances the effect of the poignant emotions running high through the storyline.

The music in Susman, composed by Vanraj Bhatia, wonderfully concocts a captivating rural melody and syncs seamlessly with the film’s overall mood. It delicately embodies the rustic significance of the plot while never overshadowing the narrative. It provides a complimentary backdrop against which the story unfolds.

The film effectively manages to question the indifferent attitude of society and the policymakers towards the weavers. It is more than just a commentary on the social and economic issues faced by the weaving society; Susman is also a tribute to their indomitable spirit and their unwavering dedication to their craft.

Despite the inherent grimness of the subject, Susman has its moments of tenderness and community camaraderie. The movie lays bare the human sides of its characters, bringing them alive in all their raw vulnerabilities and quiet strength. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, the weavers' spirit of community, their passion for their craft, and their resilience manages to shine through.

Susman is a poignant tale that reflects the journey of survival, persistence, and the resistance of traditional weavers in India during a time of rapid industrialization. The rich performances by Azmi, Puri, and Kharbanda, along with Benegal’s focused direction, weave a narrative that is both deeply engaging and emotionally moving. This beautiful tapestry of emotions, resilience, and survival is bound to leave you captivated, resonating with the rawness and reality of the struggles the handloom weavers have to endure.