Watch Provoked

Provoked is a powerful and emotional biographical drama film that tells the story of a South Asian immigrant woman named Kiranjit Ahluwalia, portrayed by beautiful and talented actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The film brings to light the issues of domestic violence and cultural oppression that often go unnoticed and ignored in our society.

Based on real events, the movie follows the life of Kiranjit, who is a victim of spousal abuse from her husband Deepak Ahluwalia, played by Naveen Andrews. The film opens with a brief glimpse of her life in Punjab before she gets married and moves with her husband to London. The initial days of their relationship look peaceful, but soon Deepak starts verbally and physically attacking her.

Desperate and lonely, Kiranjit finds solace in the company of a fellow immigrant, played by Indira Varma. She joins a support group for immigrant women who have suffered domestic violence, where she meets Veronica Scott, a social worker and her mentor, played by Miranda Richardson. Veronica helps her to cope with her trauma and provides her with a safe haven away from her abuser.

However, Kiranjit's life takes a tragic turn when she finally fights back against her brutal husband and ends up killing him in self-defense. The film then shifts its focus to Kiranjit's trial, where she is charged with murder and faces the court's harsh judgment. The rest of the film explores how Veronica and other support group members fight for her justice, highlighting the legal issues of the justice system and the cultural bias against women.

The film is a gripping tale that showcases the plight of women who suffer abuse at the hands of their partners under the pretext of cultural norms. It depicts how societal pressures and a lack of awareness and support can affect a woman's life and drive her to the brink of desperation.

As Kiranjit, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan delivers a remarkable performance, portraying the character's pain, courage, and resilience with grace and strength. She captures the nuances of a woman struggling to survive in a new country while dealing with abuse and cultural barriers. Naveen Andrews is equally impressive as the abusive husband, bringing to life the character's tyrannical persona and the toll it takes on him and his family.

Miranda Richardson, as Veronica Scott, shines as a wise and compassionate social worker who becomes Kiranjit's guiding light. The chemistry between Kiranjit and Veronica is palpable and portrays the bond of trust and respect developed between them.

Director Jag Mundhra has crafted an emotional tale of loss, courage, and redemption that leaves a lasting impact on the viewers' minds. The film raises serious questions about the legal and social justice systems' biases against immigrant women and women of color. It reveals how women who are victims of domestic violence usually face a lack of support, resources, and understanding when seeking aid.

The cinematography and soundtrack of the film complement the story, capturing the film's intense emotions and amplifying its message. The film's final moments leave a poignant and cathartic effect on the viewer, highlighting the power of hope and resilience to overcome adversity.

In conclusion, Provoked is a compelling and poignant biographical drama that portrays the life of a woman fighting for justice against unimaginable odds. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking up, seeking help, and the power of solidarity to effect change.

Provoked is a 2007 drama. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 39.