The Colour of Darkness

"The Colour of Darkness" is a meaningful drama directed by Girish Makwana, released in 2017, that offers penetrating insights into a society grappling with issues of racism and cultural prejudice. This Australian film shatters cultural illusions and addresses the pursuit of unity in diversity through the eyes of its diverse cast. The movie profoundly illustrates the clash of two cultures - the indigenous Australian and the Indian diaspora - and explores how they navigate their differences to comprehend the depiction of racism, love, and wisdom in contemporary society.

The narrative revolves around the intertwined lives of its lead characters – Meera, an Australian of Indian origin, played by Vidya Makan and a young indigenous artist, RJ, played by Sahil Saluja. These characters embody the cultural dynamics of Australia, particularly the prevalent bias and misunderstanding between different racial communities.

Vidya Makan's character, Meera, is an intelligent and fearless journalist, distinguishing herself in an Australian newspaper with her uncompromising dedication to unveiling the truth no matter the cost or consequence. Her upbringing nurtures an inherent belief in equality and justice, which serves as the driving force behind her journalistic pursuits.

Sahil Saluja's RJ, on the other hand, is an indigenous Australian artist endowed with an uncensored view of reality – a perspective that permeates his art. His character's experiences enable the audience to perceive the aboriginal diversity of Australia and delve into the underlying concerns plagging the community.

An integral part of this narrative is an empathetic Indian teacher, Garry, played by Sanjeet Pahil. Garry's work at an Aboriginal community school grows beyond just teaching academics, as he fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation amongst his students and the wider community of the true essence of Indigenous culture and heritage.

These characters lives intersect when an assault in a small town attracts Meera's attention. Stirred by this racially fuelled incident, she forcefully embarks on a journey of unveiling the truth and exploring the reality of racism in Australia, irrespective of the bottlenecks. She crosses paths with the school teacher Garry and RJ, which marks the three's shared journey in the pursuit of truth, justice, and acceptance.

Makwana employs compelling narrative techniques to depict Australia's diverse multicultural landscape, shifting effortlessly from the contrasting mundanity of a local newspaper office, the grandeur of Melbourne's cityscape, to the warm vibrancy of small town community events and the colourful, art-filled ambience of RJ's world.

Despite the film's weighty themes, it isn't devoid of light moments that provide the necessary relief within the narrative flow. Makwana tactfully uses moments of romance, friendship, and community celebrations to highlight the joy and beauty in diversity, ensuring the audience stays engaged throughout the film.

"The Colour of Darkness" also stands out for its explorative soundtrack, featuring an eclectic mix of Indian classical, folk, and contemporary Australian music, enhancing the juxtaposition of cultures in the narrative. The characters, plots, and cultural interactions are each enhanced by the film's score, creating a harmony between the movie's visuals and themes.

The movie balances gravity and light-heartedness to explore a serious societal plight seamlessly. It talks about prevalent racial disparities, misconceptions, and prejudices that impact the lives of Australians, both indigenous and immigrant. This film doesn't shy away from showcasing the harsh reality of cultural bias and instead transcends that to highlight the possibility of unity and acceptance even amidst stark diversity.

Overall, "The Colour of Darkness" is a thought-provoking, comprehensive, and visually stunning portrayal of multicultural Australia. It elicits dialogue on racism, cultural misunderstanding, and acceptance. The performances by Vidya Makan, Sahil Saluja, and Sanjeet Pahil, combined with indepth storytelling, provide a unique cinematic experience to viewers, thereby making it a stunning jewel of contemporary Australian cinema.