Watch Aborto

Aborto is a Bengali film made in 2013 that explores the topic of abortion and its impact on individuals and society. Directed by Arindam Sil, the movie features an ensemble cast including Barun Chanda, Abir Chatterjee, Jaya Ahsan, Kaushik Sen, and Tota Roy Chowdhury, among others. The movie revolves around a successful lawyer, Sohini Sen (Jaya Ahsan), who is tasked with defending a doctor, Mr. Sen (Kaushik Sen), who is accused of performing illegal abortions. Sohini, who is pro-choice, takes on the case with the hope of changing people's attitudes towards abortion and the right to choose. However, her beliefs are challenged when she comes across different cases that make her question her own decisions.

The first case she comes across is that of a young couple, Swarno (Ritwick Chakraborty) and Mou (Roma), who want to terminate their pregnancy because they cannot afford to bring up the child. The couple is shown struggling to make ends meet, and Sohini sympathizes with them. However, she faces opposition from Mou's father (Barun Chanda), who sees abortion as a sin and a disgrace to the family's honor. The conflict highlights the generational gap in the perception of abortion and the tension it creates within families.

The second case Sohini deals with is that of a young girl, Phulwa (Srijitaa Ghosh), who is impregnated by her stepfather. Phulwa is shown as a victim of sexual abuse and an oppressive patriarchal culture where women are silenced and shamed for speaking out. Sohini, through her interaction with Phulwa, realizes the complexity of the issue and the need to protect women's rights to choose.

The final case involves a renowned painter, Abhik (Abir Chatterjee), who is shown in a state of creative crisis after his girlfriend, Priyanka (Rima Das), undergoes an abortion without his knowledge. Abhik, who is portrayed as a self-centered and narcissistic individual, is thrown into introspection when he learns of Priyanka's decision. Sohini, through her conversations with Abhik, tries to explain to him the importance of women's autonomy over their bodies and the need to respect their decisions.

The movie also highlights the socio-economic factors that contribute to the prevalence of illegal abortions in society. The focus on the financial burden of raising a child, the lack of access to contraceptives, and the stigma associated with single motherhood is a reflection of the ground reality in many parts of the world.

The performances of the cast are noteworthy, particularly Jaya Ahsan, who portrays Sohini as a strong and compassionate character. The movie also boasts of a melodious soundtrack, with songs that not only serve as the narrative's background score but also add to the emotions of the scenes.

Aborto is a thought-provoking movie that puts forth the argument for the right to choose and the importance of informed decision-making. It highlights the complexities of the issue, and the moral and ethical dilemmas that come with it. The movie's message resonates, and the impact of the stories lingers long after the credits roll.