Watch Fandry

Fandry is a critically acclaimed Marathi-language film that delves into the theme of caste discrimination and inequality prevalent in the Indian society. Released in 2013, it was directed by Nagraj Manjule and starred Somnath Awghade, Rajeshwari Kharat, and Suraj Pawar in lead roles. The movie is set in a rural village in Maharashtra, where a young Dalit boy named Jabya (played by Somnath Awghade) dreams of breaking free from his family's cycle of poverty and social oppression. His father works as a pig-catcher, a task that is frowned upon by upper-caste people. Jabya's mother also works as a daily-wage laborer, and the family struggles to make ends meet.

Despite these challenges, Jabya is determined to pursue his studies and achieve success in his life. However, he is constantly reminded of his lower-caste status, which limits his access to education, job opportunities, and basic rights. He faces discrimination and humiliation at every step, but refuses to give up his dreams.

In the midst of all this, Jabya falls in love with Shalu (played by Rajeshwari Kharat), a upper-caste girl from his school. Their innocent romance is met with fierce opposition from the girl's family and the village elders, who consider it a violation of their social norms. Jabya is ridiculed, beaten up, and shamed for daring to love someone outside his community.

As the story progresses, Jabya's struggle to break free from his caste identity becomes more intense, as he witnesses first-hand the brutal consequences of social inequality. He befriends a group of nomadic pig-herders, who also belong to his community, and learns about their struggles to survive in a casteist society.

The climax of the film is a harrowing depiction of the reality of caste discrimination, as Jabya is forced to confront his identity in the most brutal manner possible. The final scene is a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted social divide that prevails in India, and the urgent need for change.

Fandry is a powerful film that explores the theme of caste discrimination with great sensitivity and honesty. The director Nagraj Manjule, a Dalit himself, brings his own lived experiences to the film, and creates a narrative that is both personal and universal. The young actors, especially Somnath Awghade, deliver exceptional performances that make the audience feel deeply invested in their characters.

The film also stands out for its stunning cinematography, which captures the beauty and harshness of rural India with equal impact. The use of natural light, wide-angle shots, and earthy tones give the film a raw and authentic feel that adds to its emotional impact.

Overall, Fandry is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the issue of caste discrimination in India, or who simply appreciates good cinema. It challenges us to confront our own biases and prejudices, and reminds us of the power of love and resilience in the face of adve.

Fandry is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.