The World Before Her

The World Before Her is a compelling 2012 documentary directed by Nisha Pahuja that unveils the harsh realities of the profound societal and personal conflicts faced by women in contemporary India. The movie draws an intriguing parallel between two extreme lifestyles each represented by individuals Pooja Chopra, Manasvi Mamgai, and Marc Robinson, allowing viewers to witness the stark dichotomy within a single society.

The 90-minute documentary notably won the Best Canadian Feature at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, and for good reasons. At its core, the film revolves around two drastically different worlds, with the common thread being the way women are perceived, moulded, and in many ways, confined, by them.

In one context, we have the glamorous world of the Miss India beauty pageant, a realm where beauty, grace, and poise are the most treasured traits. Here, we meet Pooja Chopra and Manasvi Mamgai, young women aspiring for the crown of Miss India, aiming for a chance to escape from the societal norms and pursue their ambitions. As we delve into their journey, we witness the intense physical and emotional pressure these young girls endure, highlighting the lengths they will go to, to fit the societal perception of 'beauty'.

Guiding them is Marc Robinson, a former Mr India, who serves as the pageant director. Their lives are a testament to a world where women fight for their right to be seen and entrepreneurs flock to sell these visions of femininity. But that's half the story; the film also alerts us to the paradoxical reality where the very freedom that these beauty queens are fighting for is looked down upon by other sections of the same society.

The flip side takes us into the world of Durgha Vahini, the women's wing of a Hindu fundamentalist movement that strives to uphold traditional Indian values, opposing the rapid westernization of Indian society. The women here are trained to fight, both physically and ideologically, against the influences that threaten to erode their perceived Indian heritage.

The dilemma gets more convoluted when both worlds demonize each other for the 'wrongs' they symbolize. The pageant contestants are seen as instruments of moral degradation, tainting Indian culture with intermixing of western values. On the other hand, the Hindu fundamentalists are perceived as regressive, stripping away women's rights in the name of tradition and culture.

Through Pahuja's lens, we grasp the great paradox of the Indian society that the documentary portrays with painstaking honesty. The film is a visual exploration of the societal conflict that juxtaposes modernization's pull with the deep-rooted tradition's tug, thereby creating a dire predicament for Indian women caught in the threshold.

It's fascinating how the film refrains from passing judgments or painting one world as right and the other as wrong. Instead, it tries to put forth an unfiltered view of the society, giving viewers a chance to delve into the complexities on their own. It’s a gripping narrative that mirrors the challenges, societal pressures, and the intense struggle of women in contemporary India.

In her directorial masterpiece, Pahuja makes careful use of interviews, behind-the-scenes shots, and personal testimonials. It's her subtle storytelling style that leaves a lasting impact, daring the viewers to reflect on the broader perspective of women's liberation and societal norms.

All in all, The World Before Her is a poignant and thought-provoking portrayal of the struggles faced by modern Indian women. The film distinctly highlights the irony that women confront within Indian society, torn between tradition and modernity. By bringing two opposite worlds to the forefront, it compels viewers to reflect on their preconceptions, questioning the very nature of freedom and progress for women in a rapidly evolving world. In short, it is a must-watch for anyone seeking insights into the often dichotomous experiences of womanhood in the context of contemporary India.