“Water,” directed by Deepa Mehta, is set in 1938 India and tells the harrowing story of Chuyia (Sarala Kariyawasam), an eight-year-old girl whose husband dies, forcing her into a life of widowhood. She is sent to an ashram for widows, where she befriends Kalyani (Lisa Ray), a young widow forced into prostitution by the head of the ashram. Kalyani falls in love with Narayan (John Abraham), a progressive young man who dreams of changing society. Their romance faces insurmountable obstacles, leading to a tragic conclusion.
Key Points
Cast & Crew
- Director: Deepa Mehta
- Writer: Anurag Kashyap
- Main Cast:
- Seema Biswas as Shakuntala
- Lisa Ray as Kalyani
- John Abraham as Narayan
- Sarala Kariyawasam as Chuyia
Performance and Direction
Seema Biswas shines as Shakuntala, bringing depth and restrained emotion to her role. Her performance contrasts sharply with the more lackluster portrayals by Lisa Ray and John Abraham, whose characters, despite their tragic arcs, fail to resonate deeply. Mehta’s direction showcases her visual flair, with stunning cinematography that captures the beauty and despair of the setting. However, the script, written by Anurag Kashyap, falls into the trap of melodrama, often feeling predictable and clichéd.
Themes and Analysis
“Water” explores themes of social injustice, the plight of widows, and the oppressive traditions of 1930s India. While the film attempts to shed light on these critical issues, its melodramatic approach undermines its message. The story often relies on extreme tragedies to elicit sympathy rather than fostering a deeper understanding of the characters’ struggles.
Cinematography and Visuals
The film’s cinematography is one of its strongest points. Mehta creates a visually captivating narrative, with the ashram and the Ganges River serving as haunting backdrops. The use of light and color enhances the emotional impact of the scenes, making the film a visual treat despite its narrative shortcomings.
Strengths and Weaknesses
“Water” excels in its visual storytelling and Seema Biswas’s performance. The film’s depiction of the ashram’s oppressive atmosphere is both haunting and beautiful. However, the screenplay’s reliance on melodramatic tropes and predictable plot twists detracts from its overall impact. The characters of Kalyani and Narayan, despite their potential, feel underdeveloped and superficial.
Conclusion
“Water” is a film that aims high but falls short in execution. Its important subject matter and beautiful visuals are undermined by a melodramatic and predictable script. While it is worth watching for its historical context and Seema Biswas’s performance, it ultimately leaves the viewer feeling more manipulated than moved.
Water (2006): A Beautifully Flawed Melodrama, Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Highlights: Water movie review, Deepa Mehta, 2006 film, Indian cinema, Seema Biswas, Lisa Ray, John Abraham, Oscar-nominated films, historical drama, social injustice, widowhood in India.
