The Indian film showing the bride's 'humiliation' in arranged marriage

The Indian film industry has produced a new movie that highlights the challenges faced by women in arranged marriages. Titled Sthal: A Match, this Marathi-language film tells the story of Savita, a young woman who aspires to pursue her education and build a career in a society that often prioritizes marriage over personal ambitions. The film, directed by Jayant Digambar Somalkar, has garnered critical acclaim and won several awards at film festivals both in India and internationally. It is set to be released in theaters across India, marking a significant moment for the film and its message. The narrative unfolds in rural Maharashtra, where Savita's father, Daulatrao Wandhare, a struggling cotton farmer, is determined to find a suitable husband for his daughter. The director explains that Daulatrao's motivations are twofold: he seeks a good price for his crops and a good match for Savita. However, the film takes a bold approach by portraying the often humiliating experiences that many young women endure during the matchmaking process. Unlike typical Indian films that romanticize arranged marriages, Sthal presents a raw and unfiltered perspective on the subject. The film's lead actress, Nandini Chikte, has received accolades for her portrayal of Savita, capturing the emotional turmoil that comes with being judged by potential suitors. One of the film's most striking scenes depicts Savita sitting on a wooden stool, facing a group of men who have come to evaluate her for marriage. As she answers their questions, the audience witnesses the stark contrast between her aspirations and the expectations placed upon her. The men scrutinize her appearance and background, discussing her skin color and height, while Savita's dreams of education and independence are dismissed. This scene resonates with the reality faced by many women in India, where societal norms dictate that marriage is the ultimate goal. Savita's protests about wanting to finish her studies and pursue a career fall on deaf ears, highlighting the pressure young women face to conform to traditional expectations. Chikte, in an interview, expressed her feelings about the character's humiliation, stating that she felt insulted and disrespected while portraying Savita's journey. The film also addresses the issue of dowry, a practice that, despite being illegal for over six decades, continues to persist in Indian society. Families often go to great lengths to meet dowry demands, sometimes even selling their land or taking out loans. Tragically, many brides face violence or even death if their families fail to provide adequate dowries. In Sthal, Daulatrao's desperation leads him to consider selling his land, which is his only source of income, to fulfill dowry expectations. Somalkar's inspiration for the film stems from his own experiences growing up in a family with multiple women. He recalls feeling uncomfortable during a marriage meeting when he witnessed the objectification of women based on superficial qualities. This experience prompted him to explore the topic further in his work, aiming to spark conversations about the treatment of women in arranged marriages. While Sthal is not the first film to tackle this subject, it stands out for its commitment to portraying the harsh realities faced by many women in India. The director hopes that by shedding light on these issues, he can encourage audiences to reflect on the societal norms that perpetuate the objectification of women and limit their choices. In a country where a significant majority of marriages are still arranged, Sthal serves as a powerful reminder of the need for change and the importance of empowering women to pursue their dreams.