In the ancient city of Varanasi, two lives collide amidst grief and societal constraints.
In short: Masaan, a 2015 directorial debut by Neeraj Ghaywan, explores the intersection of personal tragedy and systemic change. Set against the backdrop of Varanasi, the film follows two individuals navigating the weight of tradition, caste, and corruption as they seek redemption and a path toward a new beginning.
The narrative weaves together the stories of Devi Pathak and Deepak Kumar. Devi, a computer instructor, faces intense social stigma and police extortion after a consensual encounter leads to a tragic suicide. Her father, a professor, struggles to pay a bribe to a corrupt inspector, eventually involving a young boy in dangerous river-diving games to secure the funds. Meanwhile, Deepak, a student from the Dom caste, works at the cremation ghats where his family has performed funeral rites for generations. He dreams of a career in civil engineering, hoping to transcend his background, but suffers a devastating personal loss when his partner dies in a bus accident.
The film, whose title translates to 'crematorium,' uses Varanasi as a central character—a place defined by both spiritual history and rigid, antiquated values. Through a screenplay by Varun Grover, the story incorporates Urdu and Hindi poetry, reflecting the inner lives of its characters. This inclusion serves as a tribute to the literary habits of young people in Northern India, a detail rarely highlighted in mainstream cinema. The cinematography captures the city's dual nature, contrasting the vibrant street markets with the somber, constant glow of funeral pyres.
Critical reception has been largely positive, with the film holding a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While some reviewers, such as Jay Weissberg, critiqued the film as overambitious, others praised its poetic realism and emotional depth. The film's release on streaming platforms sparked controversy due to heavy censorship. Ultimately, the story concludes with a quiet convergence, as Devi and Deepak meet by the Ganges, both preparing to leave their pasts behind and travel toward Allahabad to start anew.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Masaan
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