Susman(1987)
Susman is a 1987 Hindi drama film directed by Shyam Benegal. It stars Shabana Azmi, Om Puri, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. The film is set in the village of Pochampally in Andhra Pradesh. It focuses on the lives of Ikat handloom weavers who struggle to survive as power looms replace their traditional craft. The story follows Ramulu, a master weaver, and his wife Gauramma as they face poverty, debt, and the loss of their livelihood. The film highlights the conflict between preserving ancient art and adapting to industrialization. It features poetry by the saint Kabir, sung by Pandit Jasraj. Susman was selected for the Indian Panorama at Filmotsav 1987 and screened at several international film festivals. It was later remade in Tamil as Kanchivaram.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1987
- Director
- Shyam Benegal
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 3h 20m
- Rating
- 4.0/10
Storyline
Ramulu is a master handloom weaver in Pochampally. He and his wife Gauramma struggle to earn a fair price for their beautiful Ikat cloth. A new power loom factory threatens their craft. Ramulu refuses to give up his traditional loom. But debt, hunger, and a corrupt cooperative push him to the edge. Can he save the essence of his art before it is lost forever?
“The essence of a dying art.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Susman
Cast reunions in this film: Om Puri & Kulbhushan Kharbanda (11 films together), Om Puri & Shabana Azmi (6 films together), Om Puri & Mohan Agashe (4 films together), Om Puri & Pankaj Kapur (4 films together), Neena Gupta & Shyam Benegal (4 films together), and Neena Gupta & Shabana Azmi (4 films together).
Trivia
- The film was shot on location in Pochampally, Telangana, using many real weavers as background actors.
- Shyam Benegal made this film as part of a government-funded series to promote Indian handloom heritage.
- The title 'Susman' translates to 'The Essence', referring to the soul of traditional craftsmanship.
- It was one of the few Benegal films from that era not to feature his frequent collaborator Shabana Azmi in a lead role.
- The film's realistic portrayal led to it being screened at several international documentary and ethnographic film festivals.
- Music director Vanraj Bhatia used folk instruments and weaving rhythm patterns in the background score.
- Despite its critical intent, the film had a very limited theatrical release compared to mainstream Hindi movies of 1987.