Fire
Director: Deepa Mehta Run Time: 108 min. Release Year: 1997
Starring: Javed Jaffrey, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Kushal Rekhi, Nandita Das, Shabana Azmi
Throwback from 1997
Radha (the stunning Shabana Azmi) is unwavering in her devotion to her husband, Ashok (Kulbushan Kharbanda), despite their barren and sexless arranged marriage. For 15 years, Radha has been the consummate Indian wife, while Ashok, under the guidance of a spiritual leader, is attempting to rid himself completely of any form of desire. Meanwhile, Ashok’s brother Jatin (Jaaved Jaaferi) has brought home his new wife, Sita (Nandita Das), but is unwilling to give up his relationship with his Chinese girlfriend. Added to the mix are Biji (Kushal Rekhi), Ashok and Jatin’s infirm mother, who keeps a watchful eye over the family, and Mundu (Ranjit Chowdhry), who works in the family’s restaurant and video store under their small apartment. Slowly, Sita’s presence causes the threads that held the family together to unravel.
A film that caused riots and led to a Lesbian political revolution in India. Who doesn’t love some forbidden romance! This throwback is an absolute classic and shows us no matter what love can conquer all.
Brattle Passes not accepted.