The importance of art, if it intends to be the fountainhead of societal change, is its ability to simplify and put forth complex ideas, intricacies and nuances of our lived reality. Raja Beta succeeds precisely in achieving that, in holding up the mirror to the patriarchal oppression and discrimination in Indian society. Coupling animated visuals, devoid of clutter or garrulousness, with a skilled, lucid and comprehensive voiceover, the film puts forth its narrative, one that questions an Indian family's biases and hypocrisy manifested in the manner in which they raise their sons and daughters. The film further calls out internalised misogyny and perpetration of rape culture that we often encourage unconsciously in our day-to-day lives. Its message is shared with the viewer in no equivocal terms, allowing the film to be a relevant and much-needed comment on our deeply flawed approach in understanding and handling gender.

Raja Beta | Short Film of the Day

The film is loud and clear in calling out the rape culture society, both consciously and unconsciously, harbours and encourages. From music and cinema, to cultural and social conditioning that leads even women to internalise misogyny and objectification of the female body - the film draws attention to it all. It further goes on to make a strong comment - that rapists, sexual abusers and harassers are not born in isolation. It's several societal components of negligence, indifference, hesitation to engage with ideas of sexuality of young people, to name a few, that raises an entire section of men who view women as simply pieces of flesh serving to fulfil their carnal needs. When next time you watch a film or hear a song that is crass and brazen in the manner it speaks of women, what would you do? Would you be complicit in society's objectification of women or would you change the song?

Please Change The Song | Short Film Nominee

The film endeavours to be a relevant comment on systemic misogyny, internalised patriarchy and the consequent, deep infestation of rape culture in the country. It would be erroneous to expect a nuanced, subtle commentary here, instead the narrative is meant as a simple, direct conversation with the viewer. Sincere and honest in its attempt to talk of a cruel, barbaric reality where the most heinous sexual assaults have become commonplace, Express Yourself does its bit to add to the conversation on gender. The idea and its execution is further supplemented by Sonu Nigam's powerful voice, along with interviews with two activists on the front lines of the battle against patriarchy and sexism, allowing the documentary to put forth its views in a notable manner.

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links