Reflections on Water
The film Water depicts the societal injustice that the widows of India are subjected to. With the death of a husband, widows are forced into a life of waiting to be reunited with their lost husbands. All the while, the widows are degraded as lesser members of society and even forced into prostitution. In this film, the lives of widows in Varanasi, India are depicted; showing their struggles, suffering, and humanity. An important element of this film is the connection of cultural mythology- the Hindu story of Radha and Krishna. The allusion of this tale is weaved into the story telling of the widows.
Widow Kalyani has an unexpected run in with Narayan, a young man who has his eyes opened to the plight of the widows that Gandhi is supporting because of this meeting. The two form a loving bond that is tragically cut short with the suicide of Kalyani, when she couldn't live with the her time in prostitution any longer.
The story of Kalyani and Narayan mirrors the story of Radha and Krishna. In the myth, Krishna is a great lover, holding Radha in the highest of affections. However, due to circumstance the two never end up married; Radha spends a lifetime waiting for Kirshna. In this way, Kalyani and Narayan's love mirrors this tragic and powerful story. Narayan will have to wait a lifetime to be reunited with Kalyani. The film gives clues to this with signs such as Narayan's appearances with a flute, something Krishna is often depicted with. Additionally, Narayan compares Kalyani to the beautiful peacock feather, another symbol of Krishna.
When looking at the use of cultural mythology in this film, Water uses the myth of Krishna and Radha as a tool to guide through a painful story reflecting of the challenges faced by widows. In this way in incorporates a story of love into a story that may otherwise be too painful to watch as well as reconnecting with the Hindu beliefs that are integral to the values behind widows and marriage in India. After considering the story of Krishna and Radha and it's representation of true love, how far should a culture take that principal? Where do we draw the line between religious values and our own free choice?
The story of Kalyani and Narayan mirrors the story of Radha and Krishna. In the myth, Krishna is a great lover, holding Radha in the highest of affections. However, due to circumstance the two never end up married; Radha spends a lifetime waiting for Kirshna. In this way, Kalyani and Narayan's love mirrors this tragic and powerful story. Narayan will have to wait a lifetime to be reunited with Kalyani. The film gives clues to this with signs such as Narayan's appearances with a flute, something Krishna is often depicted with. Additionally, Narayan compares Kalyani to the beautiful peacock feather, another symbol of Krishna. 
April,
ReplyDeleteI like your response to the film and the connections that you made between the myth of Krishna and Radha to the plot of the film. To answer your question, I think that in the context of this culture, it is hard for the widowed women to draw that line between following their faith and also living their own life. It seems that the rules that a widowed woman must follow have been instilled in these women for their whole life, so for them it may seem impossible to live any other way. However, in this film I think we see that one mind can change many others'. When Kalyani wants to leave and be married we see the other women almost pining to leave the compound along with her. This almost seems like a beginning in drawing that "line." We also see a strong voice of change like Gandhi's helping to draw that line between free choice and religion. It causes the good Didi to send Chuyia away in hopes of giving her a better life.
Haley
April,
ReplyDeleteYou have such a vivid explanation of the film in the beginning of your post that I greatly appreciate, because I was only able to view half of the film. It's tremendously interesting how you bring up Krishna and Radha because I remember reading a story with these character names during my freshman year at Alverno. I couldn't agree with you more when you said, "Where do we draw the line between religious values and our own freedom choice?" It's a question that can be answered through various perspectives; however, could be interpreted similarly as well. Great post!
Jessica A.
April,
ReplyDeleteYour detailed description really allows me to further analyze this film. I enjoyed reading about your perspective on Kalyani and Narayan. They really captured my attention in this film and I found myself very disappointed when Kalyani died. I like how you suggested a sign of hope for the two lovers in the after life by connecting this to Krishna.
Very well done.
Lauren Checker
April,
ReplyDeleteYour detailed description really allows me to further analyze this film. I enjoyed reading about your perspective on Kalyani and Narayan. They really captured my attention in this film and I found myself very disappointed when Kalyani died. I like how you suggested a sign of hope for the two lovers in the after life by connecting this to Krishna.
Very well done.
Lauren Checker
Love this post! I too really enjoyed the whole Krishna and Rahda dynamic that was playing out in the film. While it did not follow completely, I am choosing this as my myth and am looking forward to analyzing how the film relates to the myth. You pose an interesting question with where do we draw the line with religion and free choice. This movie it was hard to tell, but it was evident that choices needed to be made that varied from the harsh structured rules of the religions of the widows.
ReplyDelete-Christina Sieb
I love the question you asked about drawing the line between religion and free choice. I think Water leans more towards free choice than religion.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog!
-Onika Lowe
You did a really great job of describing the film and made me see it from a different point of view. I also really like how you incorporated a cultural mythology into the description as well.
ReplyDeleteAmy Wittlieff
I love how you made the connection between Kaylani and Narayan's love with Krishna and Radha's! I never made that connection and now I can totally see it.
ReplyDelete-Amanda Roloff
What a great post! I love the questions and the responses from your classmates. Mimi
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job with the explanation of the film. It is a touch decision when it's between religious value and your own free choice.
ReplyDelete-Kia Lee