Rajkumar Santoshi directed “Damini” (Lightning) is indisputably one of the finest movies from Indian cinema representing the suppressed voice of a woman and the power of truth. Remembered for its bold subject the film exposes the ugly and decayed face of Indian traditional values which have now lost their real sacred meaning in the current times. Revolving around the gang rape of a poor and helpless maid, it depicts the wide class system still prevailing in the Indian society even today. It impressively showcases how the poor continue to be exploited by the richer section in the cities and how it’s still difficult to raise a voice against this exploitation in absence of a clean and pure judiciary system.
Meenakshi Sheshardri gives a power packed performance in & as "Damini" playing the newlywed entrant in the house who declares war against the inhuman act done by the young members of her own in-laws family. And there is no one to support her in the new home, not even her own loving husband who loves her a lot. A drunkard & loser lawyer, living a deserted lonely life comes to her rescue and fights the court case on her behalf. Brilliantly directed by Santoshi, the intense emotional drama has four award worthy acts, simply not to be missed.
Meenakshi as the lady fighting for her human and traditional ethics, Rishi Kapoor as her husband caught in a moral dilemma, Sunny Deol as the tough lawyer fighting the case for her and Amrish Puri as the cunning, dishonest lawyer fighting the law suit against Sunny in the court. But surprsingly along with the director only Sunny Deol won the Filmfare awards that year. Sunny even got a National Award for his punchy performance but sadly the most deserving of all, Meenakshi Sheshardri, didn't receive any major awards for her realistic and thoughtful portrayal of a woman fighting for the dignity of her maid.
To sum it up, if you love intense emotional dramas leading to some highly engrossing court room sequences then "Damini" is one of the best Bollywood movies made in this particular genre. It is touching, emotional and also immensely entertaining because of the fiery interaction court room scenes between Sunny Deol & Amrish Puri. In fact Sunny's famous dialogue from the movie "Dhai Kilo Ka Haath" has now achieved a cult status among the famous Bollywood dialogues of all times. A highly recommended masterpiece, especially for the younger generation.
Directed By Rajkumar Santoshi
Starring : Meenakshi Sheshadri, Rishi Kapoor, Sunny Deol, Amrish Puri, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and more.
Music by Nadeem Shravan
