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Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence

Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence (2001)

May 04, 2001 2h 10m Drama

The Saikia family are an extremely wealthy family in Assam. The two sons of the family are Sanjay (Sayaji Shinde) and Sunil Saikia (Sanjay Suri). The latter being the kinder of the two whilst the former is very hot-tempered and has occasional mood swings. The parents decide to get him married to Durga (Raveena Tandon), a lower caste girl from a poor family, thinking she will be able to cope with Sanjay's temper. Sanjay initially refuses to marry Durga, but when his mother threatens to cut him off from the family will he relents. Thus, Durga marries Sanjay and looks forward to her new life. From day one, Durga is subjected to physical and mental harm by her husband.

Directed by Kalpana Lajmi

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Kalpana Lajmi
Writer
  • Kalpana Lajmi
Producer
  • Hrishikesh Mukherjee

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Kalpana Lajmi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2001, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 183 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2001, when this film is released:
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Sawan Ko Aane Do, which focuses more on action than character development, Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like India Lockdown and Chaar Cup Chai explore similar territory, Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 4, 2001
  • Runtime: 2h 10m