We have all studied Shakesperare's poetic justice and in Rekha starrer 'Khoon Bhari Maang', justice is delivered by a crocodile. Those who have watched the blockbuster must be able to relate to the changing symbol of justice and how it is not always so in the novels of Thomas Hardy. But we all love a movie or any piece of writing where evil is punished and goodness prevails. It gives us a sense of completeness. It rekindles hope, bringing back Browining's optimism:' All's right with the world'!
When so much has happened around in these thirty years, watching an old-world charm struck me in awe and disgust equally. You may ask, why? But here is why-
WHY IT HELD ME IN AWE?
Accolades to Bollywood for shelving a movie long back in the 80s with a woman in the lead. It is indeed a woman-centric piece.
Aarti Verma ( Rekha) is at peace with the natural forces in her farmhouse. The flowers in the garden bloom, and the horse, from her late husband, hangs around her. Her two kids and staffs adore her and hold her in high esteem for her pristine and warm demeanour. From the viewpoint of Ecocriticism, it is the classic account of the ' return to nature' for necessary succour.
Aarti's father is one of the most successful businessmen back in the city. The relationship of nature with culture is evident as the dynamics change with the entrance of evil characters. The culture of city life is mostly imbued with falsehood and trickery. This is in direct contrast with the harmony and solitude of country life. In the way a culture is formed, nature responds in a similar manner.
Aarti's father back in the city loses his life to falsehood. Similarly, Aarti too falls prey to trickery. The negative culture of the city penetrates into the country with Sanjay. Out of greed, Sanjay tries to kill Aarti by feeding her crocodiles.
Evil is barked at as it is abusive. Short-lived malcontents meet their end at the hands of Aarti. As the movie comes to an end, justice is restored and peace prevails.
THE DISGUST!
*Why did Aarti have to transform into a model of beauty and glamour to achieve justice? It is true that the crocodile mauled her and part of the plot required the transformation to hide her original identity, but why the unnecessary glamour?
* Men are stereotyped as loose, charmers and playboys in the character of Sanjay.
* Women again are women's worst enemies but pangs of conscience resolve this matter. But Sanjay is out and out a crooked fellow. When he was hanging upside down from a cliff, he sought forgiveness. But, do you trust him?
* Why does a woman need a man for shelter and protection? Why did Aarti have to marry Sanjay? If Aarti can transform into a femme fatale, she can surely turn the business around. Is beauty the only weapon of women?
* Aarti prior to her transformation was unattractive but a good soul. In contrast, her friend Nandini is beautiful and is shown to have evil intent and morals. Why beauty has a questionable character?
* Though Aarti's father has her best interest in, why is the daughter of a millionaire simpleton, untouched by the ways of the world? Domestic, submissive, and pure are the hallmarks of an ideal woman.
* Why are men projected as mummy's boy? Professionally, JD is smitten with Jyoti. But, unconsciously he too seeks a woman who has his mother's approval.
Aarti sought justice through her alter ego. Does this ring a bell? Where else have you seen an alter-ego trope? The masterpiece of its time kicks ass wearing high heels. You no longer see angry young men, but women! Animals are more sensible than humans. Yes, and even more instinctive. Don't miss it for the love of masala.