In Bihar, kidnapping a groom might be a way to fight dowry
In short: In some regions of India, the tradition of 'pakadwa vivaah' turns the typical kidnapping trope on its head. Instead of seeking ransom, enforcers abduct grooms to force them into marriages where no dowry is demanded. This bizarre social mechanism serves as a violent, local response to systemic demands for bride prices.
The practice of pakadwa vivaah, or 'forced couple,' is a tradition prevalent in the Indian state of Bihar. According to writer Sanjeev K Jha, who conceived the film Jabariya Jodi, official data revealed a startling reality: in recent years, more abductions in Bihar occurred for the purpose of forced marriage than for ransom. This revelation highlighted the magnitude of a practice that functions as a radical, albeit coercive, method of delivering 'justice' to families who demand excessive dowries. The narrative of the film explores this through the character of Abhay Singh, a feared enforcer who works under his father, Hukum Singh. In their community, the father views the abduction of grooms as a tool to punish dowry-seeking families. Abhay operates as a local star within this system, believing his actions are morally justified.
However, the story exposes the internal machinery of this tradition: it is often a cycle of manipulation where even the enforcers are denied the freedom to choose their own partners, becoming victims of the same societal shackles they enforce. The film uses a comedic lens to address these serious issues, featuring a protagonist who eventually rebels against her father's demands. By kidnapping the man she loves, the heroine subverts the tradition to demand a marriage on her own terms. While critics have polarized on the film's execution—with some calling it 'inexplicably convoluted' and others 'excruciatingly painful'—the underlying subject remains a significant cultural phenomenon where forced marriage serves as a complex, violent reaction to economic and social pressures.
The film premiered theatrically on August 9, 2019, following a production period that began in August 2018 in locations including Lucknow, Barabanki, and Raebareli. Despite its exploration of a heavy social issue, the film's commercial performance was modest, grossing approximately ₹21.13 crore worldwide as of late August 2019.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Jabariya Jodi
- Also: Wikidata — Jabariya Jodi · CC0
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