Masaan
Masaan

Movie spotlight

Masaan

2015
Movie
109 min
Hindi

Four lives intersect along the Ganges: a low caste boy in hopeless love, a daughter ridden with guilt of a sexual encounter ending in a tragedy, a hapless father with fading morality, and a spirited child yearning for a family, long to escape the moral constructs of a small-town.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic73/100
Google Users89%
Director: Neeraj GhaywanGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In the ancient city of Varanasi, Devi, a young woman, grapples with the consequences of a dalliance gone wrong when she's caught in a moral-test sting operation. Meanwhile, Deepak, a low-caste man working at the crematorium, falls for the upper-caste Priya, aspiring for a life beyond the funeral pyres. Their paths intersect as they navigate societal pressures, forbidden desires, and the rigid caste system that dictates their destinies.

Critical Reception

Masaan received widespread critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of love, loss, and the caste system in modern India. Critics lauded its nuanced storytelling, strong performances, and evocative cinematography, particularly its depiction of Varanasi. The film was celebrated for its realistic and poignant exploration of social issues often overlooked in mainstream cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its deeply humanistic storytelling and exploration of social inequalities.

  • Commended for its stellar performances, especially from Richa Chadha and Vicky Kaushal.

  • Applauded for its atmospheric portrayal of Varanasi and its poignant narrative.

Google audience: Audiences widely appreciated Masaan for its emotional depth, realistic depiction of Indian society, and the powerful performances of its cast. Many viewers found the film to be a moving and thought-provoking experience, highlighting its sensitive handling of complex social themes.

Awards & Accolades

Winner of the FIPRESCI Award for Youth Cinema and the Promising Future award at the Cannes Film Festival (2015). Nominated for numerous Indian film awards.

Fun Fact

The film's title, 'Masaan,' translates to 'cremation ground' in Hindi, reflecting the central setting and themes of life and death within the narrative.

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