March 20 2009 13:00 PST
By Mufsin Mahbub
A dark, angry film exploring the complex world of Indian politics received positive reviews from critics just as the country gets ready for general elections beginning in April.
"Gulaal", directed by Anurag Kashyap (Dev D), is a bitter remark on class- and region-based politics that promote aggressive narrow-minded interests, often damaging India's democratic formation. The film uses student politics mixed up with a concealed rebellion against the government by a huge community to draw attention to the pulls and pressures on democracy from growing regional aspirations and dissatisfaction.
"The film is a result of my anger at the deterioration of the democratic process in the country," Kashyap told Reuters.
The film opens with a fiery speech from a leader of a former wealthy community who wants to win back the days of the maharajas from the government, which he accuses of duping the wealthy classes into giving up their royal claims, and then ignoring them. This wealthy rebellion is a metaphor for the growing voice of regional parties and their aspirations. Smaller parties with regional or caste-based agendas are proving to be the key to building coalitions. Their increasing control undermines the two main national parties. The film also refers to corruption and oppression in politics and the bitterness of youth with the democratic electoral process.
"We are proud of our democratic process, but we need to ask ourselves whether democracy is really alive in our country," said Raj Singh Chaudhary, who plays the protagonist in "Gulaal".
"Can you cast your vote without fear when there will be booth capturing," he said, referring to a practice in which party supporters crowd around a polling station preventing backers of other parties from reaching the voting booths.
Kay Kay Menon plays a local figure who supports the youth movement. After his success of films like "Life in a Metro" and "Mumbai Meri Jaan", critics agree that his performance was outstanding. Anurag Kashyap, who even found it difficult to obtain a producer, said the hope for political change rested with the youth and the educated class. More than 700 million Indians are slated to vote in a five-phase general election between April 16 and May 13.
What is your opinion of this film? Do you think Anurag Kashyap has another hit in his hands after "Dev D"? Tell us if you think of this film in the comment box below.
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