Adajya (1997)

Genres - Drama  |   Sub-Genres - Ensemble Film, Period Film, Political Drama, Psychological Drama  |   Run Time - 94 min.  |   Countries - United States  |   MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Sandra Brennan

Set in the Assam region of northern India during the 1940s, this dramatic tragedy from actress-turned-filmmaker Santwana Bardoloi, who also wrote the screenplay, follows the plight of three strong-willed widows as they struggle to fight the oppressiveness of a society that relegated them to subservient roles following the deaths of their husbands. The women all live within the home of a wealthy Satradikhar, the leader of a Sattra, the Damodardevian sect's local religious and cultural center. The Satradikhar and his kin are in-laws of the widows, each of whom has a different way of rebelling against her unwanted social status. Loud and flighty Durga is determined to give her husband proper last rites at a sacred river, but before she can, her jewels are lost. Gosani was trying hard to care for her late husband's estate until an overseer she cared for betrayed her. Finally, there is the youngest, most beautiful widow Giribala; the most rebellious of all, she revels in breaking taboos and shocking her late husband's family by throwing herself into the arms of a somewhat puzzled British scholar. When the family opposition grows too strong, the defiant girl resolves her situation in a spectacular and tragic manner.

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Keywords

defiance, oppression, rebel, sexism, taboo, widow/widower