Social commentary and forbidden love – these are the ingredients that make for a potentially powerful film. “Safed” attempts to weave these elements together, set against the backdrop of the holy city of Varanasi. However, while the film tackles important issues, its execution leaves something to be desired.
Cast & Crew
| Cast | Character |
|---|---|
| Abhay Verma | Chandi/Chaand |
| Meera Chopra | Kaali |
| Barkha Bisht Sengupta | Radha |
| Chhaya Kadam | Amma |
| Jameel Khan | Guru Maa |
| Sandeep Singh | Director |
Story
“Safed” introduces us to Chandi (Abhay Verma), a transgender person navigating the harsh realities of life in Varanasi. Struggling to find acceptance and respect, Chandi encounters Kaali (Meera Chopra), a young widow ostracized by society. Both share a yearning for connection and understanding, forging an unconventional bond.
The film’s strength lies in its subject matter. “Safed” shines a light on the struggles faced by transgender individuals and widows in Indian society. However, the exploration of these themes feels unbalanced. The film delves deeper into Chandi’s experiences, while Kaali’s situation remains largely unexplored.
The narrative relies heavily on melodrama, often resorting to loud dialogues and graphic scenes that feel sensational rather than sensitive. While some moments are thought-provoking, like the third gender blessing a newlywed couple, the overall approach feels heavy-handed.
Performances
The performances are a mixed bag. Abhay Verma delivers a decent debut as Chandi, capturing the character’s mannerisms. However, some actors, including Meera Chopra and Barkha Bisht, occasionally overplay their roles. The cinematography, on the other hand, is noteworthy. Anirban Chatterjee’s lens beautifully showcases the ghats of Varanasi, particularly during the Holi sequence and the Hijra community’s festival.
“Safed” had the potential to be a powerful exploration of social ostracization and the search for love in unexpected places. However, the uneven execution, with its melodramatic tendencies and shallow exploration of certain themes, weakens the film’s impact.
Verdict
“Safed” is a film with good intentions but flawed execution. While the subject matter is important and the acting is decent at times, the heavy-handed melodrama and uneven exploration of social issues leave you wanting more. If you’re looking for a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of marginalized communities, you might want to look elsewhere.