There's much spunk, spice and Smita Patil to be found in Ketan Mehta's riveting portrayal of a woman's single-minded resolve to stand up against a lustful officer's indecent proposal. Patil's sensual earthiness when teamed with a fiery attitude makes her Sonbai an iconic face of struggle.
Set in the Kutch village of colonial India, Mirch Masala raises several questions over the mistreatment of women in a feudal hierarchy, infringement of basic rights and appalling submission to anyone in power. The striking texture of an arid backdrop and its gritty inhabitants is masterfully captured in Jehangir Chowdhary's inspiring camera work.
Under Mehta's keen eye and restrained execution, the talented assembly of actors inject a distinctive personality to the roles they play.
The story and its various sub-issues ultimately lead to a final act of retribution, which entitles Mirch Masala to its reputation of a one-of-its-kind, hard-hitting, engaging experience.
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