Kabzaa(2024)
Amidst the urban transformation driven by progress, bulldozers dismantle 'illegal' settlements, leaving countless lives shattered. In the aftermath of such upheaval, one basti, sacrificed to conceal poverty during the G20 summit, and another basti, abandoned by authorities without alternative housing, illustrate the stark realities of displacement. The film delves into the daily struggles of individuals who persist in the rubble of their former homes.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Amazon Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 29 November 2024
- Director
- Monal Agrawal
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 25m
- Rating
- 3.6/10
Storyline
Bulldozers tear down poor neighborhoods in the name of progress, destroying many lives. The film shows two communities: one was cleared to hide poverty before a major summit, and another was left with nowhere to go. It follows people trying to survive in the ruins of their old homes.
“When progress leaves only rubble behind.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film's title 'Kabzaa' translates to 'occupation' or 'seizure' in Hindi, directly reflecting its theme of land and displacement.
- Director Monal Agrawal has a background in social work, which informed the documentary's intimate, ground-level perspective.
- It was filmed in real locations in Delhi, capturing the immediate aftermath of demolitions for the 2023 G20 summit.
- The documentary uses no scripted dialogue, featuring only the real voices and stories of the displaced residents.
- It premiered at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) before its wider release.
- The cinematography often contrasts sweeping shots of urban development with tight, personal shots inside demolished homes.
- Unlike many documentaries on the topic, it focuses on the prolonged 'aftermath' rather than just the act of demolition itself.