Watch Masaan

Masaan is a 2015 Indian drama film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. Set in the holy city of Varanasi, the movie explores the lives of four intertwined characters who are struggling with their own battles. The first storyline follows Devi (Richa Chadha), a young woman who is dealing with the fallout of a sexual encounter with her boyfriend. Due to the conservative attitudes of her community, Devi is shunned and shamed for her actions. She is forced to navigate her way through a society that refuses to accept her and is desperate to reclaim her dignity and freedom.

The second storyline focuses on Deepak (Vicky Kaushal), a young man from the lower-caste who dreams of breaking free from his family's tradition of working in the crematoriums. He falls in love with Shaalu (Shweta Tripathi), a privileged girl from a higher caste, and they both must confront the harsh reality of the caste system that threatens to tear them apart.

The film's third storyline revolves around the character of Vidyadhar Pathak (Sanjay Mishra), a man struggling with the untimely death of his daughter. He is haunted by a secret that he has kept hidden from the world and must confront his past to find peace and redemption.

As the stories of these four characters unfold, Masaan explores themes of love, loss, redemption, and the complexities of Indian society. It shines a light on the various ways in which individuals are bound by tradition, caste, and social norms, and the consequences of breaking free from those constraints.

Masaan is a visually stunning film that captures the essence of Varanasi's unique landscape and holy ceremonies. The cinematography by Avinash Arun is breathtaking, with scenes shot against the backdrop of the Ganges river and the city's colorful ghats. The film's music, composed by Indian Ocean, is soulful and adds to the melancholic tone of the movie.

The performances by the cast are outstanding. Richa Chadha delivers a powerful performance as Devi, capturing the character's vulnerability and strength with equal finesse. Vicky Kaushal and Shweta Tripathi, as Deepak and Shaalu, respectively, share a beautiful chemistry and bring to life the innocence of their characters. Sanjay Mishra beautifully portrays the character of Vidyadhar, conveying his sorrow and pain through subtle expressions.

Overall, Masaan is a poignant and deeply affecting film. It tackles complex themes with sensitivity and insight, and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian cinema or looking for a thought-provoking drama that explores the depths of human emotions.

Masaan is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.