A Ten-Year Examination of Masaan: Love That Transgresses Cultural Boundaries as it Crumbles
In the bustling landscape of Indian cinema, Neeraj Ghaywan's Masaan (2015) stands as a beacon of hope for filmmakers who dare to challenge the status quo. The film, set against the backdrop of Varanasi, signaled a new era in storytelling, with its unflinching portrayal of caste and the complexities of modern India.
Masaan's screenplay is a masterclass in weaving together personal and social narratives, demonstrating that neither can be separated from the cost of grief. It is not merely about a Dalit man's life; it intertwines his coexistence with that of the Savarnas in a digital age that connects everyone with a single click. This approach sets Masaan apart, offering a nuanced exploration of caste and social injustice that resonates deeply.
However, the impact of censorship on political films in India cannot be overlooked. Films with political themes often undergo scrutiny from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and related authorities, who sometimes demand cuts or modifications to scenes that could incite communal tensions or challenge dominant political narratives. Despite direct search results on Masaan not being readily available, the broader context of censorship's influence on Indian political cinema provides insight into its implications.
Filmmakers are often forced to choose their battles with censorship, negotiating to preserve the film’s soul without entirely compromising its political intent. This balancing act may lead to compromises that soften critical or dissenting voices. The rise of right-wing political forces, such as the BJP and its Hindutva ideology, alongside economic liberalization, has led to constricted spaces for politically charged cinema.
Masaan, which explores themes of caste, social injustice, and loss, is no exception. While the film received critical acclaim and was noted for its sensitive portrayal of social realities, the prevailing climate likely necessitates careful navigation of how explicitly political or critical a film can be without triggering censor scrutiny or political backlash.
Ghaywan and his team, including writer Varun Grover, grounded Masaan in lived detail, telling the story from within, not above. The film's characters, such as Devi Pathak (Richa Chadha) and Piyush Agarwal (Saurabh Chaudhary), like Shaalu and Deepak, are young lovers brimming with curiosity. The film's opening scene reveals Devi's private moment watching porn, symbolizing a quiet liberation brought about by internet access. However, Devi's sexuality is used against her, as the police threatens to frame her for abetment to suicide, and her father sees it as a stain on their caste and her womanhood.
The river Ganges serves as a political and personal symbol in Masaan, swallowing Shaalu and Piyush after their deaths. In a poignant moment, the police invade a private moment between Devi and Piyush, exposing the state's reach into even the most intimate spaces. The film's title, Masaan, translates to 'cremation ground,' symbolizing the social and political burial of Shaalu and Piyush, and the broader themes of caste and social injustice that the film explores.
In conclusion, Masaan represents the nuanced and restrained approach that filmmakers adopt to reflect sociopolitical issues under censorship pressure. The film's success and critical acclaim serve as a testament to the power of storytelling in the face of censorship and political backlash. Despite the challenges, filmmakers like Ghaywan, along with Nagraj Manjule, Vetrimaaran, Pa Ranjith, and others, continue to make earnest films about the marginalized, keeping their ethos intact. The future of Indian cinema lies in these stories, stories that challenge the status quo and offer a glimpse into the heart of India's complex and diverse society.
- Neeraj Ghaywan's Masaan showcases a unique approach to storytelling, skillfully blending themes of sports, entertainment, and personal growth, as it delves into the complexities of caste and modern India.
- While education-and-self-development often focuses on personal betterment, Masaan echoes a broader message about the injustice in society and the importance of questioning the status quo in politics, much like political films that struggle against censorship in India.
- Just as streaming platforms revolutionize the way we consume music by making it accessible in a single click, Ghaywan's Masaan portrays a digital age that bridges the divide between different castes, offering a nuanced exploration of caste and social injustice.
- Health issues have been prevalent in Indian cinema, but films like Masaan expand the conversation, raising awareness about the impact of social injustice on mental, emotional, and physical well-being - an essential aspect of personal growth and self-development.
