11/10/2024
These three Bengali films : Paroma (1984), Devi (1960), and Utsab (2000) each use the backdrop of Durga Puja to explore deeper human emotions and societal themes. In Paroma, Aparna Sen portrays the journey of a woman redefining herself, paralleling Durga Puja’s symbolism of transformation and strength. Satyajit Ray’s Devi examines the blurred lines between reverence and entrapment, as a woman is deified and burdened by faith, reflecting the complex intersections of tradition during the festival. Utsab, directed by Rituparno Ghosh, captures the tensions and unspoken truths within a family during Durga Puja, where the festival serves as both a celebration and a setting for revealing hidden conflicts. Each of these films masterfully intertwines the essence of Durga Puja with progressive reflections on identity, faith, and societal roles.
[movie, durgapuja, film, india, women, culture, desi]