Shyam Benegal

by Samir Chopra

"For over forty years, Shyam Benegal has been one the leading forces in Indian cinema. Informed by a rich political and philosophical sensibility and a mastery of the craft of filmmaking, Benegal is both of, and not of, Bollywood. Focusing on its philosophical depth, Samir Chopra identifies three key aspects of Benegal's oueuvre: a trio of films which signalled to middle-class India that a revolt was brewing in India's hinterlands; two sets of movies which make powerful feminist statements and showcase strong female characters; and Benegal's interpretation, 'translation', and reimagining of...