Paar

Taking the viewer, into the cast and poverty-riddled Munger District of Bihar, Gautam lays a platform for a raw entry to the brutal hardships of rural India, in an emphatic fashion. Naurangia's spirited resistance to the atrocities of tyrants, taking-on, the challenges thrown by a heartless society, played brilliantly by Naseeruddin Shah; his spirited, silent but strong wife Rama; played equally brilliantly by Shabana Azmi, ably, for lack of a more appropriate term, by Hari Babu (Mohan Agashe) and his powerful Zameendar father, played by ever impressive Utpal Dutt, provide crushing impetus to the oppressed farmers and laborers seeking self-identity, under the able leadership of Mukhia, played ever brilliant Om Puri, under the guidance of Headmaster, mercilessly murdered when Hari Babu loses local election. The plight of the down-trodden, given hope by the government, yet crushed by the local and state politicians, hits the viewer hard. Appropriately, brilliant performances of leading stars, Naseer & Shabana, the powerful presentation of Gautam, are recognized at national and international levels.

Here's a poor couple (Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah) on the run from their enemies, who (while herding a flock of sheep, and despite Shabana's pregnancy) have to swim across a wide, swiftly flowing river, in which they nearly drown before reaching safety. The dangerous river crossing symbolically sums up all worldly burdens and trials.

Goutam Ghose's 'Paar' tells the story of a young couple, Naurangia (Naseeruddin Shah) and his wife Rama (Shabana Azmi) who are forced to flee the village because of atrocities committed by the zameendar (landlord played by Utpal Dutt). It's a little difficult to follow in the beginning as the storytelling isn't linear and it moves back and forth in time. Some of the village sequences (that do not involve Rama and Naurangia) feel a little overstretched. The best parts of the film are the sequences with Shah and Azmi.

Once the film focuses on the couple's 'quest' to make a life for themselves in the city, the viewers are involved and rooting for them to find a solution. Their struggle mirrors the harsh reality of the streetlife that most villagers experience when they're looking to make a life in the big busy Asian city (with no connection to anyone). Yet, Naurangia and Rama are not without hope. Their love for one another is solid and they are each other's strength.

When an opportunity, that promises enough money to at least get by for a few days, presents itself to Naurangia he is excited but also cautious. This proves to be a dangerous challenge that involves his four-month pregnant wife but he sees this as the only way out now and they'll both just have to succeed in this task to survive.

Despite the initial confusion, Ghose's direction is very good, especially in the second half. I also liked his occasional use of dark humour. The subtle cinematography and score are impressive. Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi are at their best. That's not a surprise as these two actors have always brought out the best of each other. Furthermore, Azmi looks beautiful and authentic. Of the supporting cast, Om Puri stands out while the others are competent.

'Paar' succeeds in both its depiction of a reality that is often overlooked and telling a character driven story about survival.

We have solved puzzles about a man carrying a sheep, a tiger and a bundle of hay across a river in a boat. This is tougher. A herd of sheep, a pregnant wife and an overflowing river, with no boat... Who goes first?

Since it is a movie and not a puzzle, a poor man crossing a river with his pregnant wife, and taking along a herd of sheep of his landlord, has several underlying themes. The overflowing river is like the raging landlord. The unborn child represents home. The herd represents money. The poverty-stricken couple decides to go for raising some money for their child.

This ordeal sums up great performances by Naseerudin Shah and Shabana Azmi into one.

A small budget masterpiece with great performances by 2 gems of theatre Shabana Azmi & Naseeruddin Shah.