Dedh Bigha Zameen REVIEW: Pratik Gandhi and Khushalii Kumar shine but the story is disappointing and irrelevant

Saheli Maity

May 31, 2024
6:50 pm
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While touching upon themes such as dowry, systemic corruption, and familial bonds, Dedh Bigha Zameen falls short; read review here.

Dedh Bigha Zameen Review

Story

Anil Singh, a middle-class man from Ratanpur, dreams of a decent marriage for his sister. But the burden of dowry looms large. In a bid to meet the demands, he decides to sell their land, only to discover it has been unlawfully taken by a powerful official. Determined to reclaim what’s rightfully theirs, Anil confronts the official, braving threats and betrayal in his fight for justice.

What’s good

Runtime: The movie’s concise runtime of one hour and 45 minutes is a plus, highlighting its focused storytelling. Free from over-dramatization, unnecessary songs, or harsh language, “Dedh Bigha Zameen” emerges as an ideal choice for family viewing.

Pratik Gandhi’s performance: It’s unequivocally a Pratik Gandhi film. Portraying the character of Anil Singh, the family’s sole breadwinner, Pratik shoulders numerous responsibilities with dedication and hard work. His portrayal of a downtrodden man is both promising and convincing, capturing the essence of Anil’s innocence, vulnerability, and unwavering determination to fight against injustice. Pratik’s simplicity shines through, adding depth to the character and becoming one of the film’s standout features. Once again, Pratik Gandhi delivers an earnest performance, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

What’s not

The story’s premise feels all too familiar, lacking in both novelty and emotional resonance. It almost feels like a nod to the 1953 film “Do Bigha Zamin,” reminiscent of the struggles faced by fathers and brothers in the bygone era to meet dowry demands. While acknowledging that such practices are less prevalent today, the film’s focus on this outdated concept may seem somewhat out of touch with contemporary times. As the narrative unfolds, it initially appears to normalize the notion of dowry, but then takes a sharp turn in the second half, delving into the pervasive corruption within the system. While attempting to address two significant social issues – dowry and corruption – the film fails to effectively convey its message.

Every film has the potential to impart meaningful messages through its characters and storyline, yet this one falls short, merely showcasing the stress and struggle of a brother trying to fulfil dowry demands. Additionally, the writing comes across as simplistic and lacks depth. The movie’s title suggests a focus on land-related themes, making the inclusion of the dowry angle feel forced and disconnected from the main plot. Moments such as Anil finding the courage to speak out against injustice when the groom backs out from the marriage lack the intended impact, despite efforts to inject them with dramatic power.

Climax: The movie’s greatest flaw undoubtedly lies in its climax. The abrupt ending leaves viewers feeling unsatisfied, as if a crucial page of the script went missing, forcing an incomplete conclusion. Rather than providing a sense of closure, the sudden ending feels disjointed and leaves audiences yearning for more resolution. It detracts from the overall viewing experience, leaving a lingering sense of dissatisfaction that persists long after the credits roll.

Performances

Khushali Kumar plays Anil’s wife in the movie and she is impressive. A simple girl whose life starts with Anil and ends with Anil. She is a supportive wife and a sister-in-law who stands like a rock beside her husband whenever tragedy hits him. Khushalii delivers a decent performance, making everyone notice her.

Daya Shankar Pandey as Anil’s uncle is heartwarming whereas Durgesh Kumar seems to have come straight from the sets of Panchayat. His accent and his body language show no change in this movie. Prasanna Bisht is a revelation, especially after seeing her Farrey. She delivers an earnest performance. Rishiraj Thorat is often in a comic role: however, his ugly is also equally impressive and it was a refreshing change to see Panchayat’s Prahalad aka Faisal Malik in the movie. He gives a different arc to his character.

Conclusion

Directed by Pulkit, “Dedh Bigha Zameen,” featuring Pratik Gandhi and Khushalii Kumar, presents a straightforward narrative of a man’s endeavour to secure a respectable marriage for his sister with a financially stable family. While touching upon themes such as dowry, systemic corruption, and familial bonds, the film falls short of effectively exploring these topics. Its predictability at times can lead to disappointment, detracting from the overall impact of the story.

Watch the trailer of Dedh Bigha Zameen after the review