Setting aside the extravaganza of grand set designs, exquisite jewellery, phenomenal clothes, dazzling performances, acting prowess of artists, and lack thereof in some characters, massive concept, and the ‘opulent otherworldliness’, is there anything beyond the stunning sight to behold, in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web-series ‘Heeramandi’?
No sooner was the web series released, the social channels and online world had an influx of mixed opinions and reviews of the luxurious depiction of tawaifs of Heera Mandi, a real-life place within the fabric of Lahore and chronicling the lives of a group of performers dwelling in Shahi Mahal with renditions of different versions of womanhood walled against rich tapestry and the revolution of Indian independence. The lives of the tawaifs heavily caught between all of this, the courageous concept, the massive potential of a good story, a period piece with the idiosyncrasies of time, legendary performers, and sensitive proceedings, seem to have been hopelessly lost somewhere in the dazzle of visual delight and intriguingly immersed in the spectacular world but pitiably failing to remain engaged to the scenes and storyline throughout!
Whereas it is a personal choice and preference of the audience to like or dislike a movie or a web series for various reasons, as long as the judging criteria suffice the norms of sticking to valid and logical reasoning, it is most appreciatively acceptable, however, if the rationale strays from the parameter of logic, sense, sensibility, and sensitivity, it creates unnecessary stir and unrest. In the case of Heeramandi, there appears to be a classic example where self-proclaimed protectors of perceived culture and portrayed moral policing of the society in the name of obscene remarks and offensive assessments, resurface to toe the line to suit the disillusioned requirements of satiating their inflated ego, deranged beliefs, and outrageous viewpoint through their outburst and disapproval of the web series.
Instead of analyzing the cinematic aspects of the web series, some custodians of the society seized control of the situation by taunting, mocking, and disrespecting the courtesans and their aesthetic aspects through their criticism of the film. Especially the smutty remarks on the reel-making vista of the iconic ‘Gajagamini walk’, or the dressing up royally to the tunes of famous scenes from the web series and enacting the same through reels, videos, etc. Behind the pretext of mentoring the social standards, such brawlers probably disguise their own deflected mentality. Whether it is the poetic grace of the tawaifs, or their resilience to rise to rebel, whether it is their amassed considerable wealth, or their eminent influence in social setup, whether it is their impactful role in contributing to art and music, or their inherent dignity and dedication, those courtesans hold their share of respect and regard through the portal of the timeline. Revered guardians of refined mannerisms, gatekeepers of art and craft, and bearers of power, struggle, and defiance for a purposeful existence, these women pass down the story of resistance and survival beautifully and impactfully. So, instead of relying on the perfectness of everything, let’s just choose to linger on the facets that leave an imprint on our minds and hearts, and hold out rightfully earned respect for their lives.
Heeramandi- A must-watch? Maybe not. But disregard? Certainly not!
By: Jyoti Jha – Author, Storyteller, Columnist
You can watch the trailer here:
