30th September 2023, Mumbai: Anurag Kashyap recently opened up about his film “Bebaak”, which is gearing up for its premiere on October 1 at the Jio Cinema Film Fest. With an ensemble cast that includes the likes of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sheeba Chadha, and Vipin Sharma, the movie delves deep into societal issues, particularly those centered around the suppressive patriarchy that often uses religious justifications.
Plot of “Bebaak”
“Bebaak” paints the poignant tale of Fatima, a young Muslim girl nurtured in a humble family setting with three siblings. Fatima harbors a potent dream of etching a mark in the world as an architect. However, her dreams seem distant as they clash with her father’s financial challenges. In a bid to secure her future, her father approaches a conservative Muslim Trust, hoping for funding support for Fatima’s education. But, this act entraps Fatima in a tumultuous dilemma where her personal beliefs and aspirations are at stake.
Kashyap’s Personal Take
Anurag Kashyap shares his personal insights on the making of “Bebaak”. He articulates the necessity of the film and the importance of its perspective. Drawing from his personal experiences traveling across countries and interacting with friends from regions like Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and others, he witnessed firsthand the challenges and struggles they endure. To Kashyap, communicating these complex issues through cinema is an accolade. Yet, he asserts that only the film’s director, Shazia, could genuinely convey this subject with justice.
Addressing Societal Patriarchy
In a heartfelt discourse on societal patriarchy, Kashyap voices his disdain for the association of a woman’s dignity with her family’s honor. Questioning societal norms, he asks why men aren’t held to similar standards. He urges society to focus on individual experiences and empower every individual to voice their truths. Kashyap condemns the age-old practice of treating women as property. He further divulges that male insecurity, deeply rooted in societal structures, is a significant reason for the persistence of patriarchy. Recounting his own upbringing in a matriarchal setting, Kashyap highlights the problems stemming from male insecurity, where fear of loss leads to the creation of restrictive rules.
As it prepares for its release, audiences are eagerly awaiting to witness this evocative narrative unfold on the big screen at the Jio Cinema Film Fest.
-by Kashvi Gala