Watch Mehndi

Mehndi, released in 1998, is a Bollywood drama film that explores the deeply rooted customs and patriarchal traditions of Indian society, particularly focusing on the weighty implications of dowry practices. Set against the backdrop of the colorful and ritualistic Indian wedding ceremonies, the film stars Rani Mukerji, Faraz Khan, and Ushma Rathod, and is directed by Hamid Ali Khan. While primarily regarded as a socio-cultural commentary, the film wraps its message in the fabric of family relationships, emotions, and the institution of marriage.

The title "Mehndi" refers to the ceremonial art form of applying henna to the skin, typically in intricate patterns on the hands and feet of women, and is a traditional practice in the Indian subcontinent, especially during weddings and festivals. In this narrative, Mehndi isn’t just a physical adornment for the bride but also symbolizes the deeper cultural and traditional values that are imprinted onto the lives of women in the society depicted in the movie.

The central character of the film is Pooja (played by Rani Mukerji), a vivacious and kind-hearted woman who cherishes the traditional values that she believes bind the family together. Her world revolves around her large family, her close sisterhood, and the dream of a marriage filled with love and respect, much like the fairytales she has grown up believing in. Pooja’s character epitomizes the innocence and optimism of young women who are conditioned to see marriage as their ultimate destiny and fulfillment of duty.

Faraaz Khan portrays the role of the male lead, offering a nuanced performance that reflects the complexities of a man caught between traditional expectations and his own values. His character brings to the table the male perspective on the institution of marriage and the norm of dowry, subtly questioning the morality and the socio-economic pressure that compels men to participate in such practices.

Ushma Rathod completes the main cast, and her role adds further dimensions to the narrative by embodying the challenges faced by women who dare to defy the societal norms. Her character reflects the struggle for autonomy and the desire to live life on one’s own terms, which is often met with resistance and monumental obstacles in a traditional setup.

The film begins with the bustling preparations for Pooja's marriage, depicting the excitement and the elaborate customs that precede a typical Indian wedding. However, as the story unfolds, the focus shifts from the surface-level celebrations to the underlying transactions that dictate terms in such alliances. Pooja's family is traditional and adheres to the customs, including the transference of dowry—a practice that involves giving money, property, or valuable items from the bride’s family to the groom and his family as a condition for the marriage.

The director intricately weaves the narrative around the contrast between the colorful rituals of the wedding and the dark shades of greed and exploitation that sometimes accompany the custom of dowry. Pooja's family encounters the oppressive demands of dowry that loom over their happiness like a dark cloud, threatening to rob them of their dignity and legacy. Characters are pushed to their limits; familial bonds are tested, and the institution of marriage is stripped down to its transactional core, questioning the cultural dogmas that have been followed unquestioningly for generations.

As Pooja and her family grapple with the demands that they can barely meet, the film delves into the psychological impact that such practices have on individuals involved. The characters struggle with their conscience, societal expectations, and the fear of ostracism while facing a moral dilemma that intertwines their personal happiness with oppressive tradition.

The narrative is further enriched by the musical score, as is typical with Bollywood productions. The songs in Mehndi are poignant and accentuate the emotional heft of the scenes—sometimes uplifting, at other times melancholic, reflecting the paradoxical union of joy and sorrow that characterizes Pooja's journey.

Mehndi does not just present a problem; it boldly examines the foundations and consequences of the dowry system—how it diminishes the worth of women, fosters a sense of entitlement among men, and upholds a cycle of economic burden that leads to corruption of the very essence of marital relationships. Without giving away the ending, the climax of the movie builds towards a resolution that emphasizes the inherent strength of the community when it dares to stand up against regressive customs.

In summary, the film Mehndi is an evocative portrayal of the Indian wedding customs, the deep-seated traditions, and the battle between old societal norms and the evolving conscience of a new generation. Through the lens of a family drama, it offers a critical examination of the dowry system and its implications, delivering a narrative that resonates with audiences as a potent social commentary wrapped in the colorful tapestry of a cinematic experience.

Mehndi is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 32 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.3.