Sangam Diaspora

Fire, a controversial movie produced by Deepa Mehta, provides an interesting look at some characters from India’s burgeoning middle class. Although India is rapidly modernizing, her culture is not keeping up. This film depicts a patriarchal society, where women are not yet truly free citizens. Already married, the young and beautiful Shabana Azmi playing the role of Radha, embarks on her quest to find a true relationship. Radha was married to Jatin’s older brother (played by Jatin Javas), who fails to uphold his duties as a husband. Radha eventually finds comfort in Sita, Jatins’ older brothers’ wife. Radha and Sita secretly explore the sexual world constantly wondering if they are doing wrong. Constantly battling their husbands and themselves, Sita and Radha find pleasure by spending time with each other while becoming a couple of their own.

The movie is highly provocative and culturally challenging. The heart of the movie lies in its ability to accurately depict the conservative and unequal nature of some cultural beliefs.

Memorable Quote:

Sita: Isn’t it amazing? We’re so bound by customs and rituals. Somebody just has to press my button, this button marked Tradition, and I start responding like a trained monkey. Do I shock you?
Radha: Yes.
Sita: You’re lovely.