Uski Roti

Uski Roti is an Indian art-house film directed by revolutionary film director Mani Kaul, first released in 1970. The cast features acting talents such as Gurdeep Singh, Garima, and Savita Bajaj. It signifies Kaul's debut as a director and stands as a testament to his dedication to the avant-garde filmmaking philosophy which went against the mainstream norms of Bollywood. He drew from his training at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, as well as inspiration from filmmakers like Robert Bresson and Yasujirō Ozu. The film is based on a short story by the same name by Mohan Rakesh, a Hindi-language literature author.

Uski Roti, which translates to "Her Bread," carries a deep narrative hidden in its minimalistic presentation. It is an earnest portrayal of rural life in Punjab, specifically focusing on the tribulations of a woman enslaved by her social setting and the encompassing patriarchal norms. It empathetically paints the story of Balo (Garima), who is married to Sucha Singh (Gurdeep Singh). Sucha Singh is a bus driver by profession and is away for most of the day, leaving Balo lonely in her spartan village life.

The progression of daily life in Uski Roti is gradual and vivid, showing another side of India that veers away from the opulence normally depicted in mainstream films. The audience gets insight into both the physical and emotional distance in Balo's and Sucha's relationship, metaphorically represented by his bus route. Despite the disconnect, in an act of love and duty, Balo walks miles each day to deliver her husband's lunch.

Despite the wide landscapes and sun-bathed scenery, the isolation of Balo is palpable and oppressive, becoming a main theme of the film's narrative. This intensely personal, almost voyeuristic approach allows the audience to sense the pathos underlying Balo's exterior. The camera often lingers, focusing on the subtlest details and glimpses of mundane life, exalting the simplest things into symbols of deeper significance.

Garima's portrayal is praiseworthy in her role as Balo. Her nuanced performance enriches the melancholic atmosphere of the film, doing justice to her character. Gurdeep Singh, too, succeeds in portraying the remote and oblivious Sucha Singh. His character is emblematic of the hurdles rural women face in a patriarchal society. Savita Bajaj's appearance bolsters the narrative, adding layers to the already complex storyline.

The film is a major departure from the conventional song-and-dance routines synonymous with Indian cinema. Uski Roti aims for a dramatically realistic and abstract portrayal of life and relationships. The slow-paced depiction may seem unconventional to audiences acquainted with conventional Indian cinema. However, it reflects an attempt to break away from the norms, pushing the boundaries when it comes to cinematography and narrative. Despite its apparent simplicity, there is an intricacy and depth that require the viewer's attention and patience to appreciate fully.

The film set a precedent by being featured in the 1st International Film Festival Rotterdam in 1972, marking a significant achievement for Indian cinema abroad. This opened the doors for a new wave of parallel cinema that aimed to narrate stories authentically, unvarnished by the typical tropes of mainstream cinema.

Mani Kaul's Uski Roti represents a milestone in Indian cinema. It symbolizes a brave attempt to deviate from the established norms and presents the raw, unfiltered reality of rural life in India. The film, albeit abstract and minimalist, provides an unvarnished examination of human relationships and the subtle themes of isolation, duty, and the individual's place in the sociocultural structure. It's a powerful work of art that reverberates beyond the confines of traditional cinema, capturing the essence of human existence in its purest form.