Parched is a sensitive – but very watchable – female-centric film which explores the lives of 3 Rajasthani village ladies who live in a sexually repressed, patriarchal & abusive society. The film explores their frustrations over not having normal lives and the desire to live life on their terms.
The title "Parched" refers to the lives of the 3 ladies which is as "parched" as the arid desert they are living on.
MERITS of Parched
1 – A very sensible & sensitive story that is well-executed (you will NEVER feel bored unless you're a MCP moron)
2 – The build-up and pacing of the film is just perfect
3 – The dialogues (in Rajasthani accent) are well-written, incisive, witty and puts the message across pointedly
3 – Parched is bold and does not shy away from bit of nudity and abusive words (which is necessary keeping in mind the rustic nature of the characters)
4 – All the 3 actresses (Radhika Apta, Surveen Chawla & Tannishtha Chatterjee) have acted convincingly with the right expressions, accent and dialogue delivery.
You will love to see the uninhibited and friendly interactions between them (esp., the sexual banters). Surveen's totally bindass & uninhibited character is a treat to watch!
5 – Brilliant cinematography by Russell Carpenter ("Titanic" fame)
6 - For MCP's out there, you will be taught a lesson - "Pehlae Insaan baanna seekh uske baad Mard." (told by Tannishtha to her son Gulab)
7 - Loved hearing the background music.
DEMERITS of Parched
1 – Tannishtha regularly talking to an unknown man calling himself "Shahrukh Khan" does not make any sense. That man plays no real role in her life (or in the film).
2 – The ending is a touch "escapist" in which it is shown that the ladies decide to live the village and go to the city to start a new life. (It'd have been intelligent to show them living lives on their own terms - and in the village itself)
3 – Kishan is shown as a nice,decent man. But, unfortunately, his good-natured attitude is not properly used in the film.
I'd have been happy if he were shown to understand the predicament of the 3 ladies and did some good for them. But no!
4 – I cannot understand the outburst of Surveen Chawla towards Chandan Anand ("Rajesh") when he told her about his plans to take her to the city for more profitable prostitution. Surveen accused him of wanting to be a pimp and take advantage of her.
Fact is, Surveen is already a prostitute and does not give any indication of hating the trade. So her outburst is totally misplaced!
PS:
1 - Radhika Apte is really flowering into a serious actress. I just love the films she is choosing to act in. They all are very meaningful & watchable ones.
Wishing her all the best for the future!
2 - After celebrating Pink we are celebrating Parched!
When was the last time we saw 2 great female-centric movies in a single year? When?
As a man, I'd love to see such female-centric films more and more.
