La saison des femmes

It's fantastic to see a realistic, well-rounded and empathetic portrayal of Indian women. It really is wonderful to see a film centred on the relationships between the female characters from this culture so far from many of us. We learn about the expectations put on them and the hypocrisy of a patriarchal society they're learning to free themselves from. There were no paragons of virtue or other exhausted stereotypes here but real women surviving together with much humour and warmth alongside just as much cruelty and fear. What a joy to have something so raw come from the home of Bollywood. I felt emotionally drained but triumphant at the end of this movie. Bravo, bravo, bravo. Everyone involved should be proud.

Well Done, Leena and all girls, very good movie an eye opening for our general audience who has taboo on women freedom. Girls have every right to fulfil their dreams in our society. Thank god movies like that are trying to change its face, its a rough and hard road ahead. Thats actually a embarrassing face of most Indian men. Very good script and dialogue, new actors have done well. Director Leena Yadav , Hats off to you. Plz make more movies like this which can help the society.This movie covers the really basics of India rural lifestyle of women, shown women's true spirit, which is a much needed in this time. Radhika Apte has done very well, trying to break the shell of bollywood, which is always under redtape, if try to show homosexuality or women freedom.Overall movie is a good coverage of so many troubled factors which are ignored in mostly high yield production movies. This might not be a big hit in India but a good mile stone for all cast & crew.

Kudos to director and whole team for making this excellent and eye opener movie Although I am from India and particularly North and frequently hear news stories of khaap panchayat wrongdoings etc. but still it's shocking to me to imagine things are still such bad in most rural parts when other part of globe is advancing to it peak. Neena Yadav and its crew have done wonderful job to bring extreme reality and low thinking of this men dominated rotten society The four women who set themselves free in different ways to bring story to happy ending does try to cover all roles of women they play in society to have maximum impact and also bring ray of hope to change things and move towards good. I remember last movie which I watched similar to this was Matrobhoomi which shake me from inside and compelled me to share thoughts and join to some movement to uplift present state of women's plight . Everyone should be allowed to choose their life as they want and things should never be forced on each other.

Parched is a sensitive – but very watchable – female-centric film which explores the lives of 3 Rajasthani village ladies who live in a sexually repressed, patriarchal & abusive society. The film explores their frustrations over not having normal lives and the desire to live life on their terms.

The title "Parched" refers to the lives of the 3 ladies which is as "parched" as the arid desert they are living on.

MERITS of Parched

1 – A very sensible & sensitive story that is well-executed (you will NEVER feel bored unless you're a MCP moron)

2 – The build-up and pacing of the film is just perfect

3 – The dialogues (in Rajasthani accent) are well-written, incisive, witty and puts the message across pointedly

3 – Parched is bold and does not shy away from bit of nudity and abusive words (which is necessary keeping in mind the rustic nature of the characters)

4 – All the 3 actresses (Radhika Apta, Surveen Chawla & Tannishtha Chatterjee) have acted convincingly with the right expressions, accent and dialogue delivery.

You will love to see the uninhibited and friendly interactions between them (esp., the sexual banters). Surveen's totally bindass & uninhibited character is a treat to watch!

5 – Brilliant cinematography by Russell Carpenter ("Titanic" fame)

6 - For MCP's out there, you will be taught a lesson - "Pehlae Insaan baanna seekh uske baad Mard." (told by Tannishtha to her son Gulab)

7 - Loved hearing the background music.

DEMERITS of Parched

1 – Tannishtha regularly talking to an unknown man calling himself "Shahrukh Khan" does not make any sense. That man plays no real role in her life (or in the film).

2 – The ending is a touch "escapist" in which it is shown that the ladies decide to live the village and go to the city to start a new life. (It'd have been intelligent to show them living lives on their own terms - and in the village itself)

3 – Kishan is shown as a nice,decent man. But, unfortunately, his good-natured attitude is not properly used in the film.

I'd have been happy if he were shown to understand the predicament of the 3 ladies and did some good for them. But no!

4 – I cannot understand the outburst of Surveen Chawla towards Chandan Anand ("Rajesh") when he told her about his plans to take her to the city for more profitable prostitution. Surveen accused him of wanting to be a pimp and take advantage of her.

Fact is, Surveen is already a prostitute and does not give any indication of hating the trade. So her outburst is totally misplaced!

PS:

1 - Radhika Apte is really flowering into a serious actress. I just love the films she is choosing to act in. They all are very meaningful & watchable ones.

Wishing her all the best for the future!

2 - After celebrating Pink we are celebrating Parched!

When was the last time we saw 2 great female-centric movies in a single year? When?

As a man, I'd love to see such female-centric films more and more.

It's a slow burn as a film. And then without you realising it the film has suddenly entered your heart. And makes its place there. Moments in each woman's story are suddenly so evocative. And moments between them as women. So much woman power. Beautifully shot. Beautifully enacted. Beautifully directed.