Parched

A very raw look at gender norms in rural Indian society, PARCHED takes an unapologetic stance that women should choose their own destinies. The four women, and their intersecting stories, are engaging and intriguing. And there are both good and bad male figures in their lives. But this is no feel-good Bollywood romcom either, it's a very real and heartfelt look at life. The film keeps the viewer on the edge of his or her seat, wondering where the story is going next, because the twists in the plot are far from predictable. I would highly recommend it to anyone with a taste for edgy and eye-opening cinema. My rating? 10 out of 10.

Parched is a sensitive – but very watchable – female-centric film which explores the lives of 3 Rajasthani village ladies who live in a sexually repressed, patriarchal & abusive society. The film explores their frustrations over not having normal lives and the desire to live life on their terms.

The title "Parched" refers to the lives of the 3 ladies which is as "parched" as the arid desert they are living on.

MERITS of Parched

1 – A very sensible & sensitive story that is well-executed (you will NEVER feel bored unless you're a MCP moron)

2 – The build-up and pacing of the film is just perfect

3 – The dialogues (in Rajasthani accent) are well-written, incisive, witty and puts the message across pointedly

3 – Parched is bold and does not shy away from bit of nudity and abusive words (which is necessary keeping in mind the rustic nature of the characters)

4 – All the 3 actresses (Radhika Apta, Surveen Chawla & Tannishtha Chatterjee) have acted convincingly with the right expressions, accent and dialogue delivery.

You will love to see the uninhibited and friendly interactions between them (esp., the sexual banters). Surveen's totally bindass & uninhibited character is a treat to watch!

5 – Brilliant cinematography by Russell Carpenter ("Titanic" fame)

6 - For MCP's out there, you will be taught a lesson - "Pehlae Insaan baanna seekh uske baad Mard." (told by Tannishtha to her son Gulab)

7 - Loved hearing the background music.

DEMERITS of Parched

1 – Tannishtha regularly talking to an unknown man calling himself "Shahrukh Khan" does not make any sense. That man plays no real role in her life (or in the film).

2 – The ending is a touch "escapist" in which it is shown that the ladies decide to live the village and go to the city to start a new life. (It'd have been intelligent to show them living lives on their own terms - and in the village itself)

3 – Kishan is shown as a nice,decent man. But, unfortunately, his good-natured attitude is not properly used in the film.

I'd have been happy if he were shown to understand the predicament of the 3 ladies and did some good for them. But no!

4 – I cannot understand the outburst of Surveen Chawla towards Chandan Anand ("Rajesh") when he told her about his plans to take her to the city for more profitable prostitution. Surveen accused him of wanting to be a pimp and take advantage of her.

Fact is, Surveen is already a prostitute and does not give any indication of hating the trade. So her outburst is totally misplaced!

PS:

1 - Radhika Apte is really flowering into a serious actress. I just love the films she is choosing to act in. They all are very meaningful & watchable ones.

Wishing her all the best for the future!

2 - After celebrating Pink we are celebrating Parched!

When was the last time we saw 2 great female-centric movies in a single year? When?

As a man, I'd love to see such female-centric films more and more.

There comes a time in life when you stuck up in a wrong place and feel suffocated. You feel like breaking the barrier and seek freedom as you have one life to live and it is you who can take the control of your destiny. Who do you listen to you – Brain or Heart ?

Parched (extremely thirsty) tells the story of three women in the rural village of Rajasthan – Rani (played by Tannishtha Chatterjee), a 32 year old widower, who is under the burden of home loan she took to marry off her son, Lajjo (played by Radhika Apte) who is beaten up mercilessly by her husband as she cannot conceive and Bijli (played by Surveen Chawla) who is a dancer and prostitute but has her own share of glitch by men in her life.

It is a good comeback for the director Leena Yadav, who gave couple of flops in form "Shabd" and "Teen Patti". The subject of "Parched" is definitely bold with nude scenes, abusive language and violence but I guess she was trying to make it more real. The highlight of "Parched" is defining each female protagonist character appropriately, the issue of women equality still existing in the Northern part of India and how these central characters overcoming the challenges to live their own life. Hats off to Leena Yadav for a fantastic effort and keeping the audience on their toes. Screenplay is crispy with beautiful cinematography capturing the princely state of Rajasthan. Art direction is outstanding along with nice background score. Full marks to the editor for completing the drama within two hours. On the flip side, the second half loses the grip to some extent but the climax showing the dusshera scene shot simultaneously with Lajjo's husband burning in fire is brilliant. I loved the scene where Surveen Chawla vents out her anger that why all the abuses ends with a female f..k but why can't it be male f..k.

"Parched" belongs to queens of desert – Tannishtha Chatterjee, Radhika Apte and Surveen Chawla. Tannishtha Chatterjee plays a sensible and matured widow character with aplomb. The brilliant actress has been in town for some time and this film will be an icing on cake for her. Radhika Apte is just growing well with each film. This will be her second brilliant performance this year after spellbinding act in "Phobia". I was completely taken aback with Surveen Chawla's performance. The gorgeous actress is mean, straight-forwarded but extremely compassionate for her friends. Watch for her as she has the perfect looks and talent to carry it forward. Rest of the star cast did justice to their role.

On the whole, "Parched" is electrifying and enigmatic. Another beautiful tale of women empowerment and equality after last week's "Pink".

It's a slow burn as a film. And then without you realising it the film has suddenly entered your heart. And makes its place there. Moments in each woman's story are suddenly so evocative. And moments between them as women. So much woman power. Beautifully shot. Beautifully enacted. Beautifully directed.

Watched it last night @ sathyam cinemas. Wonderful movie with excellent acting and with a deep social care. This movie showcased every possible ways women are been dominated, not given any chance, importance women education in a most powerful way.

Great acting, music and background score was good and deeply sink with the movie. Technically brilliant...

But, these movies (I can compare this movie with visarani - Tamil movie base on a social message) failed to educate its audience and make them known about if any possibilities out there to fight against it. It's simply just like placing a hidden camera within someone's home and capturing all anti-social elements and visualizing it to audience. Its more likely an evidence of a crime happening right away. What to do with it??

Can it be played in a court and claim for a change in law or ask to make new laws? nothing...

It just makes audience to feel sorry for the women & street boys (in visarani).

Overall a good and a must watch. This movie will definitely make a good impact in Indian cinema.