Watch Silent Waters

Silent Waters is a powerful and moving drama film set in the early 1970s in a small village in Pakistan, directed by Sabiha Sumar. The movie follows the story of a Muslim family struggling to cope with the rapid cultural and political changes happening around them. The central protagonist of the movie is Ayesha (Kirron Kher), a widowed mother who is trying to protect her 12-year-old son Saleem (Aamir Ali Malik) from the turmoil of the world around them. Ayesha's world is shaken up by the arrival of her estranged brother-in-law, who has come to the village with an agenda of his own. He is a religious hardliner, and he wants to impose his beliefs and values on Ayesha's family and the village.

Ayesha, who is a liberal-minded and independent woman, is forced to confront the growing religious extremism in her village. The movie explores the complexities of life in a deeply polarized society, where people are torn between tradition and modernity, faith and reason, and power and powerlessness. Despite the danger and resistance she faces, Ayesha tries to resist the pressures of patriarchal society and religious fundamentalism.

The movie also touches upon the themes of the complex relationship between India and Pakistan, and the impact of the partition on the lives of ordinary people. It is a poignant portrayal of the loss, trauma, and displacement that countless families experienced during the partition. The film shows the inner struggles of people who were forced to leave everything behind and live as refugees in their own country.

One of the key strengths of the movie is its attention to detail in capturing the nuances of the cultural and political landscape of Pakistan in the 1970s. The film also succeeds in highlighting the diversity of perspectives and experiences within the Muslim community. It shows that Islam is not a monolithic religion, and there are many voices within Islam that challenge its patriarchal and conservative norms.

The performances of the cast are outstanding, particularly Kirron Kher's performance as Ayesha. She is a remarkable actress who brings depth, sensitivity, and complexity to her character. Her portrayal of a mother who is torn between the love for her son and the pressure of tradition and religion is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

The movie is shot in a minimalist style, which serves to enhance the emotional impact of the story. The color palette is muted, and the cinematography is simple and effective. The absence of background music in many scenes makes each moment feel more intimate and raw.

Silent Waters is a thought-provoking movie that explores universal themes of religion, social change, and family dynamics. It is a timely reminder of the dangers of religious extremism and the importance of secularism and tolerance. The movie is a powerful reminder that human beings need to stand up against oppression and injustice, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Silent Waters is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 64.