Feb 19, 2015 12:03 PM
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Since centuries, the practice of female infanticide and patriarchy is largely prevalent in India. Even today, it’s sadly not uncommon to hear parents claiming that having a daughter is akin to bearing a huge burden. Qissa tells the story of one such family, just few years after the Partition. The kind of madness that the father unleashes in his quest to have a son is bound to leave you stunned. And it’s this unique storyline, along with power-packed performances, that becomes one of the strengths of Qissa!
The story of the movie: Umber Singh(Irrfan Khan) is uprooted from his home in Pakistan in 1947 thanks to Partition. He manages to shift to India safe and sound with his wife Mehar(Tisca Chopra) and three daughters. After 4 years, Mehar once again gets pregnant and Uber desperately wishes that she gives birth to a child. However, when she once again gives birth to a girl, Umber starts pretending that she has given birth to a son. Moreover, he grows her up like he would grow a son and names ‘him’ Kanwar. Kanwar grows up(Tillotama Shome), confused about her sexuality. Soon, circumstances compel Umber to marry off Kanwar, to a girl.
Qissa is just 110 minutes long and although it moves at a snail’s pace, it’s quite engaging and gripping. And it’s a Punjabi and not a Hindi film. Thanks to its extremely novel storyline, one can’t help but watch the film with keen interest and wonder what will happen next. Also, it’s heartbreaking to see Umber at every stage of Kanwar’s childhood and teenage years trying to hide that Kanwar is not his son. With the entry of Neeli(Rasika Dugal) in the narrative, the tale becomes even more intriguing. The intermission point is a shocker. One expects the film to be even better from here on. And yes, there are some brilliant moments especially between Kanwar and Neeli. But sadly, the film moves away from its realistic zone and becomes surreal in the pre-climax and finale. And these elements don’t make the desired impact. Also, the storyline is unique and the makers could have done so much with it.
There’s no denying that Qissa boasts of award winning performances. Irrfan Khan as always is fabulous and looks every inch a Sardar. And he gets totally into his character and looks quite natural. And as it’s always the case, the manner in which his eyes do the talking is seen to be believed. This is especially in the scene when he is staring at Kanwar in the second half. It’s not sure as of now if Qissa will be remembered but Irrfan Khan’s performance in the film would surely be counted as one of his finest! Tillotama Shome performs a very complex character with ease. Again, her transformation is superb and one forgets all her previous performances as she essays the role of Kanwar. Hats off and hope she gets all the due for this bravura performance! Rasika Dugal is an actor to watch out for. I was not aware of her previous works and so I didn’t really expect much from the actor. But she stuns as she maintains a strong position and comes up with a superlative performance. And she looks immensely charming as well. Her scenes with Tillotama in the second half are terrific. Tisca Chopra too puts her best foot forward. But very sadly, I have to admit that she gets overshadowed by the performances of Irrfan, Tillotama and Rasika. Danish Akhtari(young Kanwar) leaves a mark and plays an important part in the film.
Beatrice Thiriet’s music is more on the lines of folk songs but works well in the film. Her background score is subtle but makes an impact. Sebastian Edschmid’s cinematography is superb. The film has been shot in some brilliant locations. Tim Pannen’s production design is stunning and the sets look absolutely real and straight out of 1950s and 60s Punjab household. Anup Singh and Madhuja Mukherjee’s story is very unique and one of its kind. The screenplay is effective but gets a bit unjustified in the second half. One wishes the film had remained in the same zone from start to finish. Anup Singh’s direction leaves a mark and makes for captivating storyline despite the slow pace. But again, if the ending was different, Qissa would have been a classic!
Some of the best scenes:
Kanwar is born
Umber beats up his daughters
Kanwar wears his sister’s clothes
Kanwar with Neeli in the hills
Kanwar’s marriage
The intermission point
Kanwar and Neeli at the hideout
Kanwar confronts Umber
On the whole, Qissa is a powerful, moving tale that leaves a mark as it’s very unique. Hence, it gives a never-before-seen experience and one can’t help but see the film with immense interest as one has no idea where the film will head next. Anup Singh’s direction is effective and captivating, despite the slow narrative. The performances are award worthy – Irrfan Khan and Tillotama Shome are outstanding while Rasika Dugal is a big surprise. The pre-climax and finale however are disappointing as the film moves away from the realistic zone. Nevertheless, this is a film that deserves a watch. And what’s more, it’s releasing in theatres on February 20 and simultaneously on DVD and https://cinemasofindia.com as well. This is a great move and hope it helps Qissa reach out to more number of people!
