Pic Credit: EROS INTERNATIONAL
Venue: PVR, MGF Mall Gurgaon
Date: 27 February 2016
As per media reports, the movie Aligarh is not being screened in Aligarh. There was just one show of this movie in Aligarh on the release day. There after the theatre hall industry was directed to not screen this film on grounds of offending morality. This film has two angles – one, social / legal response to homosexuality. Two, quality of the film.
The first issue is a little bit tricky and a lot depends upon ones personal values and prejudices. Without going into a debate, we believe that what consenting adults do in their private spaces is between them. Privacy is a basic right for any individual and this is something we Indians need to understand. Therefore, it is the violator, not the violated, who should be condemned. Period.
Coming to the cinema angle, this film is about Aligarh Muslim University professor, Dr. Ramchandra Siras, who was filmed during intimacy with a man by trespassers who broke into his house. Professor Siras died some months later. We are impressed by the subtlety with which the director Hansal Mehta handles this tragic episode. This film is not a three-hanky-weeper. It is almost like a recreation of the events that happen to Professor Siras of Aligarh Muslim University in a manner that touches the heart. The director is supported by stellar performances by the lead cast – Manoj Bajpai and Rajkumar Rao. Manoj Bajpai succeeds in conveying the inner turmoil of the lonely professor who has no interest to be an activist. He blushes when he is told that he is a handsome man, and we shall remember Bajpai for this shot. Rajkumar Rao, as the over enthusiastic journo, is equally good. The Marathi and the Malayalam accent are pulled off successfully by the respective actors.
The film has a relaxed pace and offers ample scope for understanding the protagonist. Unlike Bollywood, the film does not have a loud court room drama. Ashish Vidyarthi as the counsel in court succeeds in conveying a lot without too many lines. He is a rare sight in films these days and no wonder we wish to see him more often.
There is not an iota of glamorisation in this film. It is clear that the director has made this film based on his own convictions paying two hoots to market economics.
We are therefore not surprised that on the first weekend evening, more than half the hall was empty.
The very humane approach in making the film is in a word blissful that is rarely found HERE while dealing with such delicate issues. The movie emphasizes on the mental state of the victim very sensitively rather than highlighting the events in a not-so-necessary vibrant manner. I am not sure whether I would be termed as over-optimistic if I think the movie may contribute to reducing of discriminating attitude of the society (at least the urban-elite group) towards alternative sexuality or any socially marginal community at large.
Thanks Saurav for sharing your views.