Disha(1990)
'Disha' is a 1990 Hindi drama film directed by Sai Paranjpye. The lead cast includes Shabana Azmi, Nana Patekar, and Om Puri. The story is set in the drought-stricken village of Bakuri and the crowded slums of Mumbai. It follows villagers who migrate to the city for work, facing exploitation and broken families. The film was selected for the Indian Panorama at the International Film Festival of India. It also won the Best Jury and Most Popular film award at Rencontres Cinematographiques. The runtime is 135 minutes.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1990
- Director
- Sai Paranjape
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 15m
- Rating
- 4.6/10
Storyline
In the dry village of Bakuri, men like Vasanta and Soma cannot find work. They leave their families behind to work in Mumbai's mills and factories. The city promises a better life but offers only debt, cramped rooms, and loneliness. Vasanta must decide whether to stay in the city or return to a broken home.
“The city takes everything you have.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Disha
Cast reunions in this film: Om Puri & Shabana Azmi (6 films together), Nana Patekar & Raghubir Yadav (4 films together), Nana Patekar & Om Puri (3 films together), Nana Patekar & Nilu Phule (2 films together), and Shabana Azmi & Sai Paranjape (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film was shot on location in Mumbai's slums and streets to show real city life.
- Sai Paranjape often made films about social issues, and this was her look at urban migration.
- It was not a big commercial hit but won praise at film festivals for its honest story.
- The movie uses a mix of Hindi and Marathi dialogue, reflecting the characters' background.
- Some scenes were improvised with local residents to make them feel more natural.
- The film's title 'Disha' means 'direction', symbolising the couple's search for a new path.
- It contrasts village life with city struggles, a common theme in Indian cinema of the time.