Jal(2014)
Jal is a 2013 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Girish Malik. The lead cast includes Purab Kohli, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Kirti Kulhari, and Mukul Dev. Set in the Rann of Kutch desert, the story follows Bakka, a water diviner who helps a bird watcher save flamingos during a severe drought. The film explores themes of water scarcity, greed, and sacrifice. It won the National Film Award for Best Special Effects at the 61st National Film Awards. Jal was also shortlisted as India's official entry for the 2014 Academy Awards in the Best Picture and Best Original Score categories. The film was released theatrically in India on 4 April 2014.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Amazon Prime Video, MX Player, Netflix, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 4 April 2014
- Director
- Girish Malik
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 15m
- Rating
- 6.5/10
Storyline
Bakka is a young water diviner in a drought-stricken village. He can find water underground using a stick. When a foreign bird watcher asks him to save dying flamingos, he agrees. This decision angers his village, his fiancée, and a greedy businessman. Bakka must fight for the water that everyone needs to survive.
“Water is life. Fight for it.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film's title 'Jal' means water in Hindi, but it was released internationally as 'Water' to avoid confusion.
- Director Girish Malik spent over a decade developing the script, inspired by real water scarcity issues in Gujarat's Rann of Kutch.
- Lead actor Purab Kohli performed many of his own stunts, including scenes where he is dragged behind a moving vehicle.
- The film's crew faced extreme conditions, shooting in the salt deserts of Gujarat where temperatures exceeded 45°C (113°F).
- It was shot simultaneously in Hindi and English, with the English version featuring different actors for some supporting roles.
- The movie's soundtrack includes a rare Bollywood song by the Pakistani band Strings, titled 'Tu Koi Aur Hai'.
- Despite its environmental theme, the film underperformed at the Indian box office but gained attention at international film festivals.