Watch Woh Chhokri

Woh Chhokri is a critically acclaimed 1994 Indian drama film directed by Subhankar Ghosh and starring Pallavi Joshi, Neena Gupta, and Paresh Rawal in lead roles. The movie is based on the novel "Kareena and her two fathers" by Mahesh Dattani, which focuses on the issue of female infanticide in Indian society. The story revolves around a young girl named Krishna (Pallavi Joshi), who is born in a poor family in a village in Gujarat. She is the third daughter to her parents, and her father decides to sell her off to a rich family in the city for a sum of money, as he cannot afford to raise another daughter. Krishna is taken away from her family and is brought up in a luxurious household as a servant. However, she suffers humiliation and abuse at the hands of her employers, who treat her like a slave.

As she grows up, Krishna becomes aware of the harsh reality of her situation and begins to question her identity and purpose in life. She discovers that she was sold off to the family because they wanted a surrogate mother for their son, who was infertile. Krishna agrees to carry their child for a price, as a means of escaping her oppressive environment. However, when the child is born, she realizes that she cannot bear to part ways with him and decides to leave the family and raise the child on her own.

The film is a poignant portrayal of the struggles faced by women in Indian society, particularly those who are born into poverty and marginalized communities. It highlights the deep-rooted prejudices and biases that exist against women, who are often viewed as a burden on their families and treated as commodities to be sold off or used for the benefit of others.

The performances of the lead actors are outstanding, particularly Pallavi Joshi, who delivers a nuanced and powerful performance as Krishna. She effectively conveys the pain and anguish of a young girl who is forced to face insurmountable odds, and the fierce determination and strength that she possesses to overcome them.

Neena Gupta and Paresh Rawal also shine in their respective roles as the rich couple who exploit Krishna's vulnerability for their own gains. Their performances evoke a range of emotions, from anger and disgust to pity and empathy.

The film's cinematography and music are also noteworthy, with the camera capturing the picturesque landscape of rural Gujarat, and the music adding to the film's emotional depth.

Overall, Woh Chhokri is a must-watch for anyone interested in socially conscious cinema. It is a powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of the struggles faced by women in Indian society, and a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.