Utsav

Utsav, a 1984 Hindi drama film, was an intriguing venture in Indian cinema, featuring a stellar cast led by Rekha, Amjad Khan, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. The film was directed by Girish Karnad and produced by Shashi Kapoor. Although Utsav was released in the sophisticated Indian New Wave of cinema and didn’t achieve much commercial success, it remains a prominent milestone in the industry, carving a unique aesthetic of its own design.

Utsav is set in the backdrop of the 2nd century BC, a noteworthy detail for its time as historical dramas were relatively unfamiliar in Bollywood of the 80s. The film drew its inspiration Mṛcchakatika (The Little Clay Cart), a dramatic piece written in Sanskrit Ianguage by Śūdraka, a revered poet of ancient India. Utsav extends the narratives of the original Sanskrit classic, and through deft screenwriting maneuvers, it molds a whole new ethereal universe exhibiting the life and traditions of the period.

The film opens in the prosperous city of Ujjain, revealing the everyday theatrics of city life – the thriving marketplaces, the grandeur of palaces, and more strikingly, the culture of courtesans, popularly identified as ‘ganikas,’ the equivalent of modern-day escorts, who were integral and respected part of the society. The core narrative revolves around Vasantasena, played by Rekha, a renowned courtesan, and Charudutt, portrayed by Shekhar Suman, a destitute, married Brahmin.

Vasantasena, inescapably drawn in by Charudutt's sincerity, falls in love with him. The relationship between Vasantasena and Charudutt forms the crux of Utsav – exploring the diverse layers of their romance, the societal outlook of the time, and the turmoil they both experience due to their differences in status.

At the heart of Utsav is Rekha, delivering a brilliant performance that still stands as a testament to her unparalleled talent. As Vasantasena, she gracefully embodies passion, elegance, charm, and a powerful sense of independence. Her rendition of a sophisticated, aristocratic courtesan catches the viewer’s eye, making her character both memorable and captivating.

Charudutt, portrayed by Shekhar Suman, encapsulates the heartfelt nuances of a pious but poor Brahmin caught in a whirlwind of love and moral conundrums. Their illicit liaison stirs a storm, later embroiling them in scandal and danger and setting a string of events in motion that make for a gripping narrative.

The supporting ensemble also brings strength to the narrative. Notably, a standout performance is from Amjad Khan, who portrays the role of Vatsayana, the author of the Kamasutra. His character provides an intellectual layer to the story, articulating the essence of pleasure, desire, and the pursuit of sensuality, themes that run in parallel with the film’s primary narrative.

Another commendable actor in Utsav is Kulbhushan Kharbanda, who effortlessly slips into the role of Samsthanak, a repugnant yet humorous rogue whose desires and actions shape the direction of the plot. Shashi Kapoor’s cameo as a Buddhist monk adds a philosophical edge to the tale by offering perspectives on life, love, attachments, and morality.

Utsav is a visual masterpiece with exquisite costumes, set designs, and a vivid color palette that authentically replicates the grandeur of 2nd Century BC India. It's a feast for the eyes and is supplemented by a beautiful score that emphasizes the film's monumental mood swings from festive to somber. It offers melodic folk tunes alongside classical raagas, leveraging music to further articulate the narrative's deep emotions and themes.

While Utsav is a sensuous tale that explores the complexities of human relationships, it also sparks debates on societal norms, religious practices, and conventional morality. It is an enriched historical drama that breaks traditional storytelling norms and leaves viewers with a profound appreciation for the intricacies of human emotions and relationships.

In summation, Utsav may not be a typical Bollywood film that one may expect from an 80's production. However, its progressive narrative, the power-packed performances of the cast, significant philosophical undertones, and a vivid portrayal of a society over two millennia ago make it a classic worth revisiting.