Watch Rajkahini
- NR
- 2015
- 2 hr 39 min
-
7.2 (1,780)
Rajkahini is a historical drama film from India that was released in 2015. The movie is directed by Srijit Mukherji and stars Rituparna Sengupta, Lily Chakravarty, Parno Mittra, and a host of other talented actors. The film is set in the year 1947, during the partition of India, and revolves around a brothel, located in the border town of Rajshahi, that houses prostitutes from different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
The protagonist of the story is Begum Jaan (played by Rituparna Sengupta), a strong-willed and fearless woman who owns the brothel. She is fiercely protective of her girls and is ready to fight to the death to protect her establishment from outsiders. The film has a large ensemble cast, each playing a unique and interesting character, each with their own backstory and motivations.
The story begins with the announcement of the partition of India and the creation of two new countries, India and Pakistan. The border between the two countries cuts right through the brothel, and the girls are given a deadline to leave. However, Jaan refuses to leave, as she considers the brothel her home and her girls her family.
As the deadline approaches, the brothel attracts attention from both sides of the border, as both parties seek to gain control of the area. Tensions rise and violence erupts, as Jaan and her girls fight to keep their home and livelihood intact.
The film offers a vivid and detailed look into the lives of the women who lived in the brothel, their struggles and their dreams. It portrays their relationship with each other, and how they rely on each other for support, protection, and companionship. Despite their challenging circumstances, the women are portrayed as strong and independent, each with her own unique story and personality.
Through its portrayal of these women, the film offers a commentary on social issues like gender, religion, and politics. It examines the impact of partition on the lives of ordinary people, and how it created division and chaos among people who had lived together for generations.
The film's plot is engaging and intense, and the performances by the actors are exceptional. The film also has stunning visuals, capturing the beauty of the landscape and the intricacies of the brothel architecture. The background score complements the film perfectly, with its hauntingly beautiful melodies that evoke a sense of longing and melancholy.
Overall, Rajkahini is a compelling and sophisticated film that offers a unique perspective on a turbulent time in India's history. It combines elements of drama, action, and romance into a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant story. The film is a must-watch for those interested in Indian history, culture, and society.