Frankly, it serves no purpose in taking the main story forward, nor is it relevant to the main plot… The bloodbath in the climax appears overdone, but what baffles you is the change of heart of those very people who wanted the prostitutes to vacate the land. Juxtaposed at regular intervals is Ila Arun's character, who narrates varied stories to an adolescent. Sure, she has her reasons, but given the fact that she's a shrewd and calculating woman, her stubborn attitude doesn't cut ice. You remain detached to the goings-on… Begum Jaan witnesses the exodus happening all around and knows that her business will dry up sooner or later, but she refuses to move on. The simmering tension catches you at times, but there are patches when it seems superficial. On the flip side, there are imperfections that are hard to ignore: You expect the tension to build up soon after Begum Jaan and the politicians have had a confrontation. Sample these: The confrontation between Vidya and the two politicians is the hallmark of the film… Vidya's interaction with Naseeruddin Shah and the latter's iniquitous demand is another startling aspect… The conversation that transpires between Gauahar Khan and Pitobash shakes you up… Vivek Mushran's volte face at a crucial juncture in the story is a shocker… These are standout moments that either bring a lump in your throat or haunt you even after the screening has ended. It takes an altogether different route as it focuses solely and completely on the fight waged by a handful of prostitutes to save their brothel.īEGUM JAAN has its share of shining moments. But BEGUM JAAN does not document what actually transpired between the two communities then. The communally tense atmosphere during the partition has left scars that are difficult to heal. Oh yes, the appalling episode does have its connection with the plot and as you exit the auditorium, you realize that the mindset remains unchanged to this date. Although it sets the tone of the film, a doubt crosses your mind as it unfurls: How pertinent and significant is this episode vis-à-vis the story Srijit intends narrating? I mean, weren't we prepared to watch a period film set in the 1940s? Was the sequence merely incorporated for shock-value? Srijit obviously knows what he's talking and answers the query only towards the final moments of the film. Srijit startles you at the outset itself: A shocking incident in present-day New Delhi makes you uncomfortable. Begum Jaan and the inhabitants clash with the officials amidst the changing political scenario during partition. My body, my house, my rules is her motto in life.
She's defiant and rebels against the move to relocate elsewhere. The politicians, representing their respective governments, go about doing their job earnestly, but their work hits a roadblock as they discover that a brothel - run by the shrewd and sharp Begum Jaan - is positioned right at the border.īegum Jaan refuses to vacate the premises, despite being served an official notice. Cyril Radcliffe is entrusted with the task of drawing the border that would split Punjab into two parts: a portion for India and the other for Pakistan.
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