PROVOKED - FILM REVIEW

Jagmohan Mundhra’s recent release ‘Provoked’ touches on a delicate subject that is not usually discussed in our Indian society.  We know of its existence, but we do not allow it to creep in to view.

Provoked is a film based on the true life story of a Punjabi woman named Kiranjit Aluhwalia

Kiranjit, played by the gorgeous Aishwariya Rai is a submissive and meek girl from Punjab, who gets married to Deepak, played by Naveen Andrews.  What promises to be a bright future is the beginning of a never ending nightmare.  Kiranjit’s life is full of mental and physical abuse, rape and torture.

One day, Kiranjit decides that enough is enough.  She no longer wants to be confined in a home where life is full of abuse, torture and rape.  Without much thought, she decides to put a gasoline soaked rug on her husband and sets him on fire. 

Kiranjit is arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.  Eventually her story is heard by a group of social workers called Southall Black Sisters, who begin a campaign to free Kiranjit.

What follows is a historical verdict in the British judiciary. 

Provoked is based on the book, ‘Circle of light’ by Rahila Gupta and Kiranjit Ahluwalia.  It is a heart-wrenching true tale of a woman from Punjab who is married to a man from England.

The film starts on a powerful note showing a persecuted, harried looking Kiranjit setting fire to her husband.  The audience immediately wants to know why.

Though Provoked begins on a powerful note, it does little to carry the power, intrigue and development of the characters through to the end. 

Aishwariya Rai, chosen mainly because of her star power and ability to cross the barriers of Hollywood and Bollywood does a pretty decent job in the role of Kiranjit Ahuluwalia.  Her emotive eyes and glamour-less appearance give her credibility and help her to play the role of Kiranjit.  She infuses life in to the character and demands sympathy.

Naveen Andrews is a man whom you love to hate from the very beginning.  His appearance and characteristics are uneasy and one questions, why a beautiful young girl would marry such a man.  Naveen’s portrayal of the abusive husband is outstanding.  His acting and persona are convincing and showcase his acting prowess. 

Nandita Das, as the head of Southall Black Sisters is effective in her part, yet at times her acting feels little over the top.  Miranda Richardson is impressive as the new found friend of Kiranjit.

On the whole, Provoked is a film that brings to the surface an age old problem we tend to overlook in our community. 

Provoked is not your typical Bollywood masal, it is a film of substance.