Rudaali (1993)

Rudaali is a 1993 Hindi film directed by Kalpana Lajmi, based on the short story written by Mahasweta Devi. The title is a reference to a custom in certain areas of Rajasthan where women are hired as professional mourners after the death of a male relative. These women are referred to as a ‘rudaali’ (roo-dah-lee),literally translated as female weeper. Their purpose is to publicly express grief of family members that are not permitted to display emotion due to social status.

The film is set in a small village in Rajasthan, India. It tells the story of a woman named Shanichari, who was abandoned by her mother shortly after her father’s death.Bad fortune follows as she marries an alcoholic Ganju, who leaves her with little hope of a brighter future for herself and her son.Years later, Ganju gets killed after consuming holy water from a temple – Shanichari is unable to weep; Then her ailing mother-in-law passes away – Shanicharni is unable to weep; When Budhwa get’s married to a local prostitute, Mungri, who becomes pregnant, and then subsequently aborts the child – Shanichari is unable to weep

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