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Unrated, this is an adult film that is not suitable for children because it explicity presents torture, rape and sex scenes, and series of degradations heaped on the main character Phoolan Devi that includes parading her totally, frontally nude at a public square. The film takes us through Devi's life from the age of 11 (when she is virtually sold into marriage by her father), through her teenage and young womanhood. The incredibly broad range and convincing acting skills of the sensual Seema Biswas who portrays Devi is amazing.
Set in a remote corner of India, the film is a catalogue of mental and physical abuse, including pedophilia and gang rape, heaped on the heroine. Although director Shekhar Kapur doesn't graphically depict the frequent assaults Devi endures, he does not flinch from presenting the sordid material either. Based on Devi's diaries, this powerful, grueling Indian film is not only a tribute to Devi's spirit, but also is a searing indictment of a culture corrupted by caste system in which the chauvinism of its men commonly involves degradating and abusing low caste women.
In her husband's home, Devi becomes little more than a pre-teen slave. She hasn't the strength to carry the heavy water jugs or the skills to herd the goats. Though he has decided that she's not quite "ripe," the bridegroom becomes aroused while beating her. "You're my wife! You must do this!" he says, before forcing himself upon the screaming child. Devi manages to escape and return to her family. But the upper-caste Thakurs in her village condemn her as a runaway wife and fallen woman. Soon the teenage Devi must put up with sexual taunts of the high-born youth who ogle her as she works in the fields.
After fighting off the sexual advances of a youthful tormentor who lies that she had seduced him, Devi is banished from the village. But when she attempts to return, she is arrested, raped and beaten by the corrupt and abusive police. Davi's abuse and degradation continue until she escapes to a wasteland, is taken in by bandits and then becomes the lover of a tough but tenderhearted (and gorgeous) bandit Vikram Mallah who saves her from yet another rapist. Vikram, a gang leader pro tem, teaches Devi to kill and rob, and invites her to join his gang. The two steal from the rich upper caste Thakurs and share their loot with the poor.
More tragedy awaits Devi, but the heroine survives and perseveres. Not unlike the notorious outlaws of the American West, Devi becomes a legend among the common folk and a political force to be reckoned with. [These days, the real-life Devi reportly plans to run for public office. Apparently, her lower-caste followers and supporters are unconcerned with her bloody history.]
The actor Biswas brings enormous ferocity and tenacity to the title role of THE BANDIT QUEEN. This provides a test of endurance for both the heroine and also the audience. The film is unforgettable.
The film itself provoked controversy in India, as its violence and politics was in deep contrast to the glamour and music of Bollywood productions. Outside of India the film is regularly included in the filmographies of World Cinima courses.
I couldn't recommend a film more strongly - but be warned it is not easy viewing.
In that 3 hours, you will have enough song and dance that would fit in nicely with the musicals of yesteryear such as Sound of Music or Oklahoma. Moreover, many films are centred around the family, and values common to Southern Asian culture. There were very few kissing scenes and even partial nudity was frowned upon. Heroines usually were the 'no sex' before marriage type. Well that was a decade ago.
Bandit Queen was instrumental in changing that trend. Here was a film that exposed the exploitation of low castes by the high castes and the atrocities perpetuated by the latter of which Phoolan Devi a.k.a Bandit Queen was a major casualty. Indian Culture is heavily male orientated and Phoolan Devi was female, dark and low caste - the worst possible combination. She was an unjust victim of rape and she sought justice by the barrel of a gun. The film had scenes of frank nudity, vulgar language and raw violence rarely seen before. Accompanied with a super solid performance from Seema Biswas and adept direction from Shekhar Kapur, Bandit Queen can be summarized in one memorable scene where Phoolan Devi's lover tells her that he would hang if she killed one person but become a legend if she killed a score of people. The film didn't create a ripple and diasppear..it rather created shockwaves and even was a moderate success in India.
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