In many of the scenes, LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKA does to men what many bollywood films have done to women - treat them as objects, make them look silly and mark them as one-dimensional. But if we didn't complain then, no reason why we should now.
The good thing is, LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKA wants to talk Women empowerment, not shout, scream or yell. Prime-time debated and discussed, echoed in ever metro city, this term has made the most noise but has hardly found a solid footing.
The film then, has a serious undertone but expresses it with genuine fun and humor.
To be honest, India is more of a Man's world. Most of India dwells in small towns and Small towns have their own bizarre modus operandi. They want their women to have varied roles but be submissive in all of them. They want them to be the 'Buajis' , 'biwis' , 'bahus and betis' with their terms and conditions. Every role with a tag, every behaviour with a restraint, and every move meant to be judged.
LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKA resides in these small cities, shows their taboos and in turn, reflects a larger image.
An image which might not hold a universal appeal, but a reality that exists.
A reality which we are apprehensive to accept, but most of us inherently want.
Men in India are a scared species. Scared and insecure. They are scared of women, are insecure of them. They fear when a woman responds, reacts and retaliates.
They are used to the tamed ones and hence lose it the moment a stronger one is face to face.
LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKA is not a penetrating perspective nor a wholesome justification. But it works because it dares and still stays breezy. It is terrific at places and has some genuinely funny moments. The good thing is that even when it is not, it doesn't drag or gets too indulgent. Repetitive maybe yes, but never boring.
A small film about small cities reflecting smaller mentalities. But raises a question? Is the mentality limited only to the smaller cities?
Watch it.
No comments:
Post a Comment