Two Indian films set in rural India made their global premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to rousing ovation from the audience in a spectacular exhibition of skill and storytelling. With their original themes and strong female protagonists, these films, “Lost Ladies” directed by Kiran Rao and the micro-budget Marathi gem “A Match” directed by Jayant Digambar Somalkar, charmed audiences and critics alike.
Lost Ladies: A Feminist Comedy of Errors
“Lost Ladies,” directed by Kiran Rao, is a charming blend of comedy and feminism that takes a satirical approach to addressing the suffocating orthodoxy of arranged weddings. The film, set in 2001, explores the ludicrous issue of brides being lost because they are hidden by their veils. It portrays the narrative of brave young women negotiating a male-dominated system with snappy speech and humour.
The head of programming at TIFF, Robyn Citizen, praised “Lost Ladies” as “at once a comedy of errors and a feminist coming-of-age tale” that “packs a punch in more ways than one.” The film not only entertains, but also presents essential ideas and themes in a lighthearted manner, making it accessible and pleasant to a broad audience.
Kiran Rao, whose debut feature “Dhobi Ghat” opened at TIFF in 2010, chose to present her second film there because of the festival’s cultured audience, interaction chances with global filmmakers, industry presence, and critical recognition. Rao and her team were overjoyed by the overwhelming reception to the film’s first public screening at TIFF.
“Lost Ladies” will be released in theatres in January 2024, promising to draw attention on the constraints that young women suffer in the setting of arranged weddings while also providing an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience.
A Match: Disrupting the Status Quo with Heartfelt Storytelling
In contrast to “Lost Ladies,” “A Match,” directed by Jayant Digambar Somalkar, delivers a dramatic and sincere story set in rural Marathi society. The plot centres around Savita, the protagonist, who is rejected by potential grooms owing to her appearance or her family’s financial situation, making it difficult to pay an excessive dowry. “A Match” was created by the filmmakers and features Somalkar’s own family members, bringing a personal touch to the project. The plot takes place in Dongargaon, the author’s hometown.
Despite its low budget and modest scale, “A Match” struck a chord with the crowd during its global premiere at TIFF. TIFF’s director, Robyn Citizen, complimented the film for “brimming with ordinary joys and frustrations.” while carrying a powerful message urging viewers to disrupt the status quo.
In comparison to “Lost Ladies,” the film’s portrayal of societal pressure on young women in the context of arranged weddings takes a different, but equally devastating, approach. “A Match” brings awareness on the issues encountered by women in rural India through its heartfelt storytelling, touching on themes such as beauty standards and dowry expectations.
TIFF 2024: Celebrating Diverse Narratives
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) provides a global platform for filmmakers to display their work to a discerning audience, network with industry professionals, and garner critical praise. This year’s festival, which ran from September 7th to September 17th, included a wide range of storylines and voices from around the world.
“Lost Ladies” and “A Match,” two Indian films, stood out for their engaging stories set in rural India and their strong female characters. They earned enthusiastic responses at their international debuts, showcasing cinema’s ability to approach complicated societal concerns with humour, emotion, and a fresh perspective.
More cinematic jewels that question norms, celebrate diversity, and leave a lasting impression on viewers globally can be expected as the festival progresses.
