Watch Saankal

Saankal is a 2015 Hindi-language film which delves into the sensitive topic of bonded labor in India. The movie is an adaptation of the Hindi novel "Kabirwala" by Prafulla Roy. Directed by Dedipya Joshii, Saankal stars Tanima Bhattacharya, Chetan Sharma, Harish Hariaudh, and Samarth Shandilya in prominent roles. The plot of the movie revolves around the life of a young couple, Lakhmi (Tanima Bhattacharya) and Kisna (Chetan Sharma), who live in a small village in Uttar Pradesh. The couple dreams of a better future and works hard to make their dreams come true. Kisna is a farmer who works in the fields all day long to provide for his family. Lakhmi supports him in every way possible and takes care of their two children.

However, their lives take a drastic turn when Kisna gets into an accident and is unable to work for a few days. Unable to pay their debts, Lakhmi is forced to accept an offer from a wealthy landlord in the village, Deewan Saab (Harish Hariaudh), to work as a bonded laborer in his fields. Deewan Saab promises to pay off their debts in return for Lakhmi's labor, but the reality is far from their expectations.

Lakhmi is forced to work in harsh conditions, with no proper food or shelter. She is sexually harassed by Deewan Saab and his associates and receives no help from the authorities. Kisna, who is recuperating, is devastated to learn of his wife's plight but is unable to do anything about it.

The movie highlights the plight of bonded laborers in India and the apathy of the authorities towards their suffering. It also delves into the patriarchal mindset prevalent in rural India, where women are considered nothing more than commodities and are subject to sexual exploitation.

The movie's direction and the performances by the lead actors are commendable. Tanima Bhattacharya delivers a powerful performance as Lakhmi, bringing to life the character's vulnerability and strength. Chetan Sharma impresses as Kisna, conveying the character's frustration and helplessness effectively. Harish Hariaudh is convincing as the villainous Deewan Saab, portraying the character's cruelty and viciousness with ease.

The movie's music and cinematography add to the overall impact of the film. The songs are soulful and enhance the emotional depth of the story. The cinematography captures the beauty of the rural landscape and the harsh realities of the characters' lives effectively.

Overall, Saankal is a hard-hitting movie that raises important questions about social justice and human dignity. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the flaws in India's rural society and the challenges faced by its marginalized sections.

Saankal is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.