Watch Chauranga

Chauranga is a thought-provoking Indian drama film that explores the themes of caste oppression, sexuality, and power dynamics in rural India. Directed by debutant Bikas Ranjan Mishra, the film boasts an ensemble cast of talented actors, including Sanjay Suri, Tannishtha Chatterjee, and Riddhi Sen. Set in a fictional village in Bihar, the story revolves around the struggles faced by a young boy named Santu (played by Sen), who belongs to a lower caste family. Santu's life is fraught with hardship and discrimination as he is forced to do menial jobs and endure the taunts of upper-caste villagers. His only solace is his obsession with school-going girl Mona (played by Soham Maitra), who lives in a nearby village and dreams of a better life.

Santu's life takes a turn when he accidentally witnesses a sexual encounter between his upper-caste employer Dhaval (played by Sanjay Suri) and his new bride Dhaniya (played by Chatterjee), who also happens to be Santu's widowed mother. The incident sets off a chain of events that culminate in a shocking act of violence and tragedy.

Chauranga is a film that skillfully highlights the social and economic injustices that continue to plague rural India. The film's narrative is layered and nuanced, as it explores the complex relationships between the characters and their respective struggles. The film also deftly navigates the language and power divide between urban India and rural India, providing an insight into the cultural and social differences between the two worlds.

The performances by the cast are top-notch, especially Riddhi Sen's portrayal of the innocent and vulnerable Santu. He effectively captures the character's wide-eyed wonder and the harsh realities that he faces every day. Tannishtha Chatterjee is equally impressive in her role as the mother struggling to provide for her family and protect her son.

Sanjay Suri is also remarkable in his performance as the morally ambiguous upper-caste landowner, Dhaval. He portrays the character's complex motivations and desires with conviction and restraint. The rest of the cast does an excellent job of bringing their respective characters to life, adding depth and texture to the film's narrative.

The film's cinematography by Ramanuj Dutta is beautifully shot, capturing the essence of rural India and the stark beauty of the landscape. The film's soundtrack composed by Advait Nemlekar is also noteworthy for its subtle and evocative use of music to enhance the film's emotional impact.

Overall, Chauranga is a poignant and powerful film that shines a light on the entrenched social and economic inequalities that persist in rural India. The film's compelling narrative and powerful performances make it a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian cinema that embraces complex and challenging themes.