The Disguise

"The Disguise" (2019)

Saw it again on Disney Hotstar. In the film, Rabia and Lena swap their dress styles - Rabia dons a burqa while Lena adopts casual attire. This change leads to unexpected reactions, highlighting existing discrimination. Moreover, the burqa is seen as a barrier that separates the wearer from society. Such a perception taps into a common negative attitude toward barriers, making the understanding of the burqa, in both cultural and personal contexts, more complex.

More over there are misconceptions existing where the Middle Eastern dress is misinterpreted as oppressive towards women, and scanty clothing in tropical regions as 'shameless', reflecting a biased viewpoint not considering geographical necessities.

In a compelling deviation from previous interpretations, the film unearths the depths of individual choice, tracing the intricate pathways that form when one decides to follow a life molded by their religious faith, notably within the profound landscape of Islam.

The captivating authenticity of this cinematic tapestry echoes stark reality, a feat made more striking by the fact that it's skillfully woven by Hindu stalwarts, Riya Mukherjee and Sandip R. Verma. As the writer-producer and director, respectively, they bring an objective lens to this narrative, casting a captivating, unbiased light on a story that is as immersive as it is thought-provoking.

It is a dress which suits the middle eastern countries particularly the deserts, as dust storms are frequent there, water is scarce. Even males have long flowing gowns and a headscarf. The dress was popular before even Islam came to middle east. For the same convenience reason - people in tropical areas are almost naked - try living in tropical countries without electricity and air-conditioner.

This is a sick mentality of people who are trying to paint a geographically applicable dress sense - as some sense of importance for woman. This sick mentality also paints woman in tropical regions - as "shameless", which is astonishing.

Many woman in Middle eastern countries are ditching burqa, and the state is coming heavily on those - and such perception prevents us from raising the voice for those woman. How is a woman with uncovered hair,-full pant (like she was shown in the first frame - and then switched to mini skirt in another shameless way) - less modest than any other woman?

Why is that woman cannot go astray? Let me tell you - that being a man - if a man has to go astray - he would irrespective you be modest or dress whichever way you like. So someone has been lying to you.

Dress the way you like, be proud of your skin, the world is beautiful out there - go trekking, go sporting , enjoy life, than worry about upholding the flag of a culture 1000-2000 years ago.

Contrary to previous reviews, the film depicts what happens if one chooses to embrace a lifestyle in accordance to their religion, most particularly Islam.

What most people missed (reviewers in IMDB) was that "Rabia" the initial burqa woman was just like the native people of that country. She wears short dresses and is surprisingly in a unlawful relationship with an atheist. The only way her religion is shown is thorough her burqa. Meanwhile, Lena is outwardly just like the natives, from the way she dresses. For her, the dress is not an association of personality which can not be said about Rabia. When Rabia and Lena decide to change their attire, they faced different reactions then what they were used to. Clearly showing the discrimination. The movie is very real, more over it is directed by a hindu who is most definitely not be biased.

The movie is boring, highly predictable, full of bias & is made with the intention of pushing a popular political agenda, nothing else! Why should a girl, who doesn't want to leave her house without the burqa, even wear western clothes beneath it? When nobody else outside her house knows her face, what's the point in applying lipstick or checking herself in the mirror? Why does she not have a problem with the revealing & tight clothes that she wears otherwise? There are no answers but only double standards.

If they really wanted to tell a story about discrimination & cultural intolerance, they'd rather rope in someone who represented the victimized culture. It's funny how none of the makers or cast of this movie belong to the culture in question. So, this goes on to show the legitimacy of the story or the portrayal of characters in it.

Hmm... It's time someone made a movie on how the women from west or other cultural minorities are treated in the burqa-wearing countries! Because the one sided sympathy has definitely becoming boring & outdated.

The writers and directors of this movie have a very intriguing take on the concept of identity crisis..Although there are some flaws in the story (a practicing Muslim woman will never marry an atheist) but by and large they're trying to portray acceptance of different cultures and religious practices which is a commendable job given that none of those involved in making this are Muslims..moreover to all the naysayers giving poor reviews you make me sick through your bigoted mentality...And someone in review says its cultural related to desert..that is laughable and pitiful interpretation of history!