Machaan(2021)
Bhola, a good Samaritan from a small town of Sabalpur, is diagnosed with AIDS. A village man Madhav who is jealous of Bhola's reputation spreads the rumour that AIDS is a deadly contagious disease that happens to immoral people. That propels the villagers to desert Bhola. When Bhola attempts to meet his family, Madhav leads a group of fire-breathing villagers to drive him away from their village, which results in terrifying consequences. Will the villagers ever open their eyes to the truth or will they wallow in their obnoxious blind beliefs?
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- VI Movies and TV
- Theatrical Release
- 22 January 2021
- Director
- Nitesh Tiwari
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 4m
- Rating
- 4.9/10
Storyline
Bhola, a kind man in a small town, learns he has AIDS. A jealous neighbor spreads false rumors that the disease is highly contagious and only affects immoral people. The frightened villagers turn against Bhola, violently driving him away when he tries to see his family.
“A rumor shatters a town. Can truth survive the flames?”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film's title 'Machaan' refers to a raised platform used by hunters, symbolizing how the main character is isolated and watched by the village.
- Director Nitesh Tiwari is better known for blockbuster family dramas, making this serious social issue film a departure from his usual style.
- The film was shot on location in rural Madhya Pradesh to authentically capture the small-town setting and atmosphere.
- It was released directly on an OTT platform, skipping a theatrical release, which was uncommon for a Nitesh Tiwari film at the time.
- The actor playing Bhola underwent workshops with health NGOs to understand the lived experience of people with AIDS.
- The fire-breathing scene was performed by trained artists using safe, controlled techniques to create a dramatic visual.
- The story is inspired by real-life incidents of stigma faced by HIV-positive individuals in some Indian communities.