Watch Chauthi Koot

Chauthi Koot is a Punjabi language film directed by Gurvinder Singh in 2015 based on the short stories of Waryam Singh Sandhu. The film premiered at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation. The movie touches the genre of drama and is set against the backdrop of the Indian state of Punjab in the mid-1980s.

The story is divided into two parts, which unfold in the rural areas of Punjab amidst the Punjab insurgency of the 1980s. The first part follows the journey of a Sikh truck driver, Balbir Singh (Suvinder Vicky), who agrees to carry the cargo of a group of Hindus to Amritsar in the wake of the Punjab insurgency. The passengers are going there to attend a religious function, and after a few near-misses with the Sikh militants, Balbir helps them to reach Amritsar safely.

The second part of the movie explores the aftermath of the journey, which shows how the people in the village of Dogra had to face the consequences of their actions. It revolves around the Dogra family, who live in the middle of the Punjab countryside. The movie highlights how their life is engulfed by the insurgency and how it affects their day-to-day activities.

In this part of the movie, the story is narrated from the perspective of a young boy, Gurmeet (played by Rajbir Kaur), and his pet dog. Gurmeet runs errands for his father and uncle, who are avid readers of Punjabi newspapers. One day they start burning the newspapers as the government officials warned them not to read anything that can evoke violence or propaganda.

The second part of the movie is slower in pace, but it has a subtle intensity that draws the viewers into the story. The film reflects the struggle between ordinary people just trying to live their lives and the fight for freedom.

The movie questions some beliefs and traditions of the Sikh and Hindu religions in Punjab, bringing a fresh perspective on this subject. It portrays the tense relationship between the two communities and reflects on the idea of how important it is to maintain a peaceful coexistence regardless of religious affiliations.

The cinematography by Satya Rai Nagpaul is outstanding, showcasing the vast natural landscapes of Punjab, which is quite different from the images commonly seen in Bollywood movies. The director has carefully crafted each frame, and the shots add depth and meaning to the film's themes.

The performances of the actors are natural and convincing that allow the audience to connect with the characters. Suvinder Vicky, who plays Balbir Singh, delivers a nuanced performance, and his body language captures the essence of the character. Gurpreet Bhangu has done justice to her role, playing the lady of Dogra family effortlessly. Rajbir Kaur brings the necessary innocence and humour to the screen with her role.

Chauthi Koot is a film that does not rely on explicit violence or melodrama to make its point. The film carefully constructs its narrative through strong imagery, delicate nuances, and it's the atmosphere. The storyline is relatively simple, but it touches on significant political and social themes that seek to tell a larger story of how conflicts impact everyday lives.

In conclusion, Chauthi Koot is an emotionally stirring and thought-provoking cinema that is worth watching. It is a must-watch film for those who want to experience a film devoid of the usual Bollywood tropes and a deeper understanding of the Punjab insurgency of the 1980s. The story leaves a lasting impression on the viewers and provokes them to contemplate the challenges of harmonious living between communities.

Chauthi Koot is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.