WATER
Deepa Mehta continues with her showcase of elements. From Fire, to Earth, and now Water we see another beautiful expression of art through her storytelling. This time the talented director has bagged John Abraham to really catch even the commercial, Bollywood cinemagoers eyes. In the process, John Abraham lucks out with his first international feature. Lets see how much of our attention they’re able to grab.
Deepa Mehta films are not just viewed by South Asians alone; they have a very strong global audience. Water succeeds in meeting international standards. It proves itself to be a true Indian Canadian production combining the best of talents and resources from both worlds.
Set in the 1930’s, colonial India, Water deals with the renunciation of widows who are outcast from society and live in chagrin. Once again Mehta tackles a difficult subject and uncovers injustice that has been practiced over time. While her films are always liberating, they maintain a dark undertone full of sorrow, till the end reveals a bright light.
Deepa Mehta earns credit for solid direction. One can easily see the flow of how ties develop and strengthen between the characters. If there is an area that lacks, it is the pace. Unfortunately the pace can be slow, making the viewer restless, wondering where and when the film will go.
As for the characters, John brings a more upbeat element in to the film, naturally being associated with a more energetic avenue of cinema. For this reason he faces the challenge of convincing his niche audiences of his portrayal. However on the whole to new eyes, appears apt. Lisa Ray, is very efficient in her role. Enacting her character with true vulnerability, it would be hard for anyone to associate her with the spicy character she played in Mehta’s previous film Bollywood Hollywood. Another actor who excels in any performance is Seema Biswas. In Water she is extremely powerful and substantial. A true jewel is Sarala, the young Sri Lankan child artist, who is crucial to the film’s command.
Canadian composer Mychael Dana along with AR Rahman and Sukhwinder Singh create an appropriate soundtrack.
Water is a film for premiere audiences, winning the hearts of those that want an insight on socially relevant issues and enjoy seeing poetry on canvas. It’s a work of art that enlightens and awakens earning 3 ½ stars on Ritu’s Reviews.
Mehta still has one more element to complete…Air. Being that her other ventures have been applauded, I hope she doesn’t just end with this trilogy, but comes to a full circle.