Review of Damini, movie

Damini the film
Domestic sex took hype some months ago when reports of late Pramod Mahajan’s son Rahul Mahajan was allegedly accuse of beating his newly wed wife. But, domestic sex is much more than beating a wife, maid or servant. Though this one got wrapped up soon leaving few tags behind in print media to ponder over it, the brutal abuse hasn’t yet be condemned to way a movie did. The reason for household violence entering my frame of mind was a movie I saw recently for umpteenth number of time. Damini, movie released in encompassed several hidden facts of domestic violence. I am not here to write about domestic violence, but just to review a movie which as stupendously laid down norms of hiring a domestic help in homes today.
Raj Kumar Santoshi fabricated this serious screenplay through eyes of her protagonist Meenakshi Seshadri. A small time stage dancer living in some chawl of Mumbai is liked and loved by Rishi Kapoor. Son if big industrialist Rishi faces some opposition from family in decision to make Damini aka Meenakshi his bride. Love succeeds and Damini becomes new bahu of one of the Who who’s of town. The newly wed is taunted and tormented mentally, but she bears it all in name of love till a day when she witnesses a horrifying event that change entire course of her life. Holi day brings her to see a rape of a poor maid servant in their house by her brother in law and his friends. The screams and shrieks amidst colour and music bring Rishi Kapoor also to eye the shameful act. The hush hush up process is own while Damini decides to fight for justice of poor girl. Then is plethora of corrupted police crew and play of false witnesses, framed up stories in court to convince Damini of poor mental health and sending her to mental asylum. Rishi is forced to let down his wife for a while till dust is settled. A highly shrewd and corrupt barrister played brilliantly by late Amrish Puri ploys new lies after a lie and buys judge, law and amends judgment. Disappointed Damini doesn’t want to accept defeat, even after betrayal by her own family; she manages to escape from the mental institution. The luck lands in her lap as she runs into Govind, a drunken lawyer lost and dejected by law. Govind takes up Damini’s case. Meanwhile poor maid is butchered in hospital and her death is given name of suicide. The case got new life and better judgment by Govind questioning law of its blindness towards injustice towards poor and female sex.. The movie also encompasses various aspects of irrelevant, vague questions asked to break prime witness.
Raj Kumar Santoshi is used all his tools to sculpt a brilliant screenplay and well directed film. Dialogues are strong pillars of the movie that hold it up high. Powerhouse performances by Sunny Deol and Meenakshi Seshadri had earned them Filmfare. The conniving, evil scheming lawyer would be one of the best performances by late Amrish Puri. The hair swishing and suspenders had become trademark of him and film. The questions raised by the film were too many. The issues of domestic violence, raping a minor, judicial system all were very well reviewed and presented. A good question raising movie that can divert many ideologies.

Rating ***

Rating Chart

* Bhool Hi jaaon
** Theek Hai Chalalenge
*** Accha Hain Achha Hain
**** Kya Baat HainJhakkaas
***** Dimaag aur Dil Hila De