‘Kafan’
and ‘Sadgati’ were screened by the People’s Voice on 31st March,
2013 at Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall, Jalandar. Both films were based on classic
stories of the same names by Prem Chand. The former was directed by Gulzar and
the latter was directed by Satyajit Ray.
The
screening was followed by discussion on films. Participating in the discussion,
senior journalist and film personality Bakhshinder said that both films raised the
issue which is still relevant. He pointed out some technical inaccuracies, problem
of continuity and ineffectiveness of some scenes in ‘Kafan’. He added that due
to the fact that both films were made for ‘Doordarshan’, that is why both films
shows no solution of the issue of caste raised in the films.
While
highlighting the anti-people role played by godmen, Manjit is of the view that normally
people go to godmen only when there is no hope left of their development.
Noted
film personality Jaskaran gave detailed analysis of some of the symbols used by
Satayajit Ray in ‘Sadgati’.
Arundeep
of ‘the People’s voice’ added that though both these films are well made, however,
the difference between calibers of both the directors is clearly established.
Kulwinder
of ‘the People’s Voice’ while broadly agreeing with the views expressed by all participants,
relied some of the points raised by Bakshinder. He explained how different
words for an action is being used even by the people living in same region. He added
that the production of films by Doordarshan is not the reason that any solution
of the problem is not given, however, it is the choice of director, and it is
not always necessary for a writer or director to give a solution. He gave details
of some other films of Ray especially ‘Ashani Sanket’, ‘Pather Panchali’. He explained how
the end of ‘Shatranj Ke Khiladi’ changed by Ray. He further added that
most of the ‘Mainstream’ films deal with some problem, but offer false and
unrealistic solution. Placing the films in their historical context, he
explained the juncture of Indian National Movement at which the issue of caste
came into forefront.
Concluding
the discussion Salish of ‘the People’s Voice pointed out that it is the
conscious decision of the organization to begin the show with ‘Kafan’ and
conclude by ‘Sadgati’ as the ‘Kafan’ shows the dehumanization of human beings
by system whereas ‘Sadgati’ move characters towards their emancipation. He pointed
out that the denial of lifting of dead body by dalits is a clear sign of their
level of consciousness.
It
is pertinent to add here that ‘the People’s Voice’ holds a film show on the
last Sunday of every month in Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall, Jalandhar in which
screening of film is followed by discussion of films.
*****
Following the post, we have received a comment form Bakhsinder Jee which is being posted below for benefit of viewers:
ReplyDeleteMy name is Bakhshinder not 'Bakshinder'. Kindly note. Moreover, I have mentioned the compromises, makers have to do while working for Doordarshan'. I still don't agree with some of the opinions given during the discussion.
Bakhsindere Jee, we appreciate your disagreement sir. In fact, the very purpose of having a discussion after film show is to provide the viewer different point of views to raise their level of understanding of cinema. We agree with your criticism of compromises made by filmmaker for Doordarshan But the point is whether Gulzar or Ray had diluted content of Prem Chand stories while making ‘Kafan’ or ‘Sadgati’, in our opinion they did not.
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