Mulk, a Bollywood movie that primarily focuses on the issue
of terrorism being associated with people following one particular religion,
change in relationship and hatred between two groups spiked by an incident, and
the existing cauldron of perceptions and prejudice based on little
understanding of facts is also a movie that touches on issues of gender in a
very subtle manner.
The first half of the movie, is slow paced melodrama in
which Murad Ali Mohammed (Rishi Kapoor) is the centre of the plot. He performs
his role with great distinction as head of the family taking decisions, directing
people, scolding, laughing and celebrating with family. In the first half we
also see the arrival of Aarti Mohammed (Taapsee Pannu), daughter in law of
Murad Ali. In brief conversations with her mother in law, she comes across as a
wonderful, responsible and caring person, at the same time strongly taking a
stand and voicing her opinion when it concerns decisions about her pregnancy or
her relationship with her spouse. The
movie does not make any attempt to make a fuss around it, which is great. It
gives a message, that this is not something unique to be discussed, rather,
this is a norm,… this is how it should be.
The movie takes a turn when bomb blasts shake the city and Shahid
(Prateik Babbar), nephew of Murad Mohammed is the prime suspect who is later
shot to death by police. The family is shocked as they had no clue about Shahid
being involved in such planning. The family condemns and his mother refuses to accept
his body for buriel (again a strong voice, a decision declared by Chhoti Tabassum
played by Prachi Pandya), but that does not save them from hatred of neighbors.
The viewers get to see some brutal realities of growing hatred and polarization
along with the fear psychosis. It does not end at hatred from neighbours,
rather the family is dragged to court with the accusation of being an ally to
Shahid in planning and executing the blasts.
Aarti (also a lawyer by profession), fights the case to
defend her innocent family. She brilliantly performs her role, her expressions
showing the struggle of staying professional while being extremely disturbed
and emotional by the state of her family. Strong courtroom performance. The last
part of movie breaks the male dominance- men doing most of the talking in
movies trend, with Aarti stealing the
show.
Strength: It's
almost there. Out of 8 main cast characters, 3 are women, each with a strong
voice and opinion.
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