Tarpan(1995)
Tarpan is a 1995 Hindi drama film directed by K. Bikram Singh. The cast includes Om Puri, Revathy, Dina Pathak, and Manohar Singh. Set in the 1940s in a fictional Rajasthan village, the story follows a lower-caste couple, Jassu and Sumitra, who attempt to clean a cursed well to save their dying daughter. The well is haunted by the spirits of women killed by upper-caste men. The film uses magic realism to address casteism, misogyny, and environmental degradation. It received critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and strong performances. Tarpan was released in October 1995 in the United States.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1995
- Director
- K. Bikram Singh
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 20m
- Rating
- 4.6/10
Storyline
A poor couple's daughter is dying. A wise man says the only cure is to clean a cursed well in a distant village. The well is haunted by the ghosts of murdered women. The couple faces violent opposition from upper-caste villagers. They must fight hatred and fear to save their child.
“The well holds more than water.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Tarpan
Cast reunions in this film: Om Puri & Dina Pathak (3 films together), Revathi & Om Puri (2 films together), and Manohar Singh & Mita Vashisht (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film was funded by the National Film Development Corporation of India, a government body that supports artistic cinema.
- It was shot on location in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan to capture authentic rural settings.
- Director K. Bikram Singh was also a well-known cinematographer who worked on films like 'Mandi'.
- The movie's title 'Tarpan' refers to a Hindu ritual of offering water to ancestors, symbolizing remembrance.
- It addresses the historical practice of female infanticide, a sensitive social issue in parts of Rajasthan.
- The film did not have major commercial stars, relying instead on strong performances from theater actors.
- Despite its critical themes, 'Tarpan' had a limited theatrical release and is not widely available today.