Mani Kaul’s ‘Dilemma’

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‘Duvidha’ based on Rajasthani folk tale is a much talked about story by Vijaydan Detha. Based on this story, Amol Palekar directed the film ‘Paheli’ (2005), in which Shahrukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee played the lead roles, but before this, Mani Kaul, the pioneer of parallel cinema, had directed the film ‘Duvidha’ in 1973. Which is completing its fifty years. At the center of ‘Dilemma’ is a newly married woman, whose husband leaves the house on the very second day of their marriage and goes to ‘Disawar’ (for business). Meanwhile, a ghost returns home in the form of her husband and starts living with the woman. Despite knowing that it is a ghost in the form of her husband and not the one who held her hand, the woman does not resist. The ghost does not lie to the woman about his deceit. The husband (Ravi Menon) is not fond of the misshapen beauty of Lachhi (Raisa Padamsee). He is busy in his calculations, but the ghost is fascinated by him. Here Vidyapati’s line comes to mind – Sundari Tua Mukh Mangal Data.

This form of woman in Hindi cinema is completely different. A woman uses her independent consciousness by remaining silent. A child is born. The husband also returns. At last, by the justice of a shepherd, the ghost is captured in Bhishti and thrown into the well. No one asks what was the wish of that woman. Like any classic work, this film opens up new questions and new meanings. At present, different forms of women have started appearing in Bollywood films, in such a situation, there is a need to discuss the film ‘Dulvidha’ again from the perspective of women’s discourse. Made in a very low budget, ‘Duvidha’ was Mani’s first color film. Mani Kaul’s films are known for their combination of simplicity and images. He made films based on literary works, although everyone’s taste is different. Before ‘Duvidha’, he had made a film on Mohan Rakesh’s story ‘Uski Roti’ and the play ‘Ashadh Ka Ek Din’. In these films, women are depicted waiting in different countries and times.

The way Lachchi (Raisa Padamsee) has been portrayed on screen by Mani Kaul in the film, is influenced by miniature painting. Incidentally, the famous painter Akbar Padamsee had organized ‘Inter Art Vision Exchange Workshop’ in Mumbai during 1969-72, in which young filmmakers like Mani Kaul, Kumar Shahani also participated. This workshop on movement between arts has an impact on his films. Raisa Akbar is the daughter of Padmasi. ‘Landscape’ has played a vital role in Mani’s films. The shooting of ‘Duvidha’ was done in Borunda (village of Detha). Mani, born in Jodhpur, was well familiar with this landscape. Mani Kaul’s imprint is evident on the films of avant-garde contemporary filmmakers like Pushpendra Singh, Gurvinder Singh, Amit Dutta. Mani Kaul’s films are known for their combination of simplicity and images. He made films based on literary works, although everyone’s taste is different.

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