Chingaari(2006)
Chingaari is a 2006 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Kalpana Lajmi. The lead cast includes Sushmita Sen, Mithun Chakraborty, and Anuj Sawhney. The story is set in a rural village where a corrupt priest exploits his religious authority to control the community. Basanti, a prostitute, seeks to escape her life through marriage to a kind postman, but the priest murders him. The film is an adaptation of Bhupen Hazarika's novel 'The Prostitute and the Postman'. It received critical attention for its bold commentary on the abuse of power by religious figures. The film was released in 2006 and has a runtime of 154 minutes.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Amazon Prime Video, ShemarooMe, Airtel Xstream Play
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 2006
- Director
- Kalpana Lajmi
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 34m
- Rating
- 4.7/10
Storyline
Basanti is a prostitute trapped in a village ruled by a cruel priest. She dreams of a better life for herself and her daughter. A young postman named Chandan falls in love with her and promises to rescue her. But the priest wants Basanti for himself and will stop at nothing to keep her.
“A spark that burns the tyrant”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Chingaari
Cast reunions in this film: Sushmita Sen & Aanjjan Srivastav (2 films together), and Mithun Chakraborty & Aanjjan Srivastav (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Chingaari' means 'spark' in Hindi, symbolising the small flame of rebellion.
- Director Kalpana Lajmi was a long-time partner of renowned musician Bhupen Hazarika, who composed the film's music.
- This was one of the few films where Mithun Chakraborty played a full-fledged negative role as a villainous priest.
- The movie was shot extensively in the rural landscapes of Assam, reflecting director Lajmi's roots in the region.
- Despite its bold theme, the film had a very limited theatrical release and struggled at the box office.
- Sushmita Sen's role as a prostitute was considered a daring choice following her Miss Universe image.
- The script was noted for its critique of religious hypocrisy and patriarchal power in rural India.