"Water" movie analysis

 "Water" (2005) is a powerful and poignant film directed by Deepa Mehta, the third installment in her Elements Trilogy (after Fire and Earth). Set in 1938 India, during British colonial rule and the rise of Gandhi's influence, the film examines the fate of widows in traditional Hindu society.

Plot Summary:

The story follows Chuyia, an eight-year-old girl who becomes a widow and is sent to an ashram in Varanasi, where widows are forced to live in poverty and celibacy. There she meets Kalyani, a beautiful young widow exploited by the ashram’s matron, and Shakuntala, a devout but conflicted widow. Kalyani falls in love with Narayan, a progressive upper-caste follower of Gandhi, offering hope of change. However, the rigid societal rules and tragic consequences expose the harsh realities for these women.

Themes:

1. Oppression of Women:

The film harshly criticizes how religious and social customs were used to marginalize widows.

Chuyia's fate illustrates the cruelty of child marriage and widowhood.

2. Religion vs. Humanity:

Mehta challenges orthodox interpretations of Hinduism that justify suffering.

Shakuntala’s internal struggle shows how faith can both comfort and imprison.

3. Hope and Rebellion:

Kalyani and Narayan’s love story represents a possible escape.

The influence of Gandhi symbolizes changing tides and the potential for reform.

4. Childhood Innocence:

Chuyia's presence offers a lens of innocence and a stark contrast to the grim world around her.

Cinematography and Style:

Shot in Sri Lanka after protests in India disrupted production, the film’s visuals are serene and symbolic, using the Ganges River as a metaphor for purification and transformation.

The color white, worn by widows, becomes a symbol of both purity and lifelessness.

Cultural Impact and Controversy:

The film sparked massive protests in India during pre-production for its critical stance on religious customs.

Despite the backlash, it was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2007 Academy Awards and brought global attention to the plight of widows in South Asia.