Movie Review 'Kajarya': Important issue with disengaging screenplay

Directed by: Madhureeta Anand

Star cast: Ridhima Sud, Meenu Hooda, Sumeet Vyas

Rating: Two stars

Director Madhureeta Anand picked a sensitive subject on female infanticide based in a small village in Haryana. The villagers are completely disconnected with the outside world and dare they open up about this sorry state of affairs. What’s worse is the ongoing practise of human sacrifice, always a baby girl, dedicated to Goddess Kali on the eve of a full moon night. Meenu Hooda, who plays Kajarya, performs the ritual and is seen possessed by the goddess during the ceremony.

The film is not easy to the eye and is disturbing. The facts and the disguise condition are well projected by the director. In fact, setting this in a small village and picking many real characters to act in the film works well for the film. However, the way in which the movie is shot, more like a documentary, may not appeal to everyone because of the pace of the film.

Not only is the movie slow, it also drags on other relationship around the main characters that only makes it longer to watch. Meera Sharma ( Ridhima Sud), a newspaper journalist is assigned the task to explore this horrendous ritual in the village. She is fearless and is on a mission to explore the truth. Despite being misguided by Banwari (Kuldeep Ruhil) she gets to the bottom of the story unearthing the most sensational story.

Director is very realistic in her approach and doesn’t go preachy about it. However, with an inconsistent screenplay, it makes the film less engaging. The actors, especially Meena and Ridhima shine in their role and appear realistic rather than just acting.

The movie has no glossy shots and cinematographer Alok Upadhayay has tried to keep it very rustic. It remains to be seen if audience also gets excited to spend their time and money on a socially awareness film.