Swaraaj(2002)
Swaraaj is a 2003 Hindi drama film directed by Anwar Jamal. The cast includes Alka Amin, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Mandakini Goswami, and Rajendra Gupta. Set in a conservative Indian village, the story follows a group of women who challenge patriarchal norms by forming a collective, starting a small business, and demanding education and rights. The film highlights themes of women's empowerment, economic independence, and solidarity. It won four awards and received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of rural women's lives. Swaraaj was released on January 13, 2003 in the United States.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 2002
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 30m
- Rating
- 5.5/10
Storyline
A young village woman named Gauri is tired of being silenced by her husband and the village elders. She gathers other women to secretly meet, learn, and start a small business. But the men fight back with violence and threats. Gauri must decide whether to give up or fight for her freedom.
“When women unite, they find freedom.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film was shot on location in a real village in Rajasthan, using many local non-actors to add authenticity.
- It was director Anwar Jamal's first and only feature film, as he primarily worked in documentaries.
- The story is inspired by true events of women-led water conservation movements in rural India.
- The film had a very limited theatrical release and is better known through festival screenings.
- It won the National Film Award for Best Film on Environment Conservation in 2002.
- The dialogue uses the local dialect of the region, with subtitles for wider audiences.
- Funding for the movie came partly from non-governmental organizations focused on development issues.