Cast
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Lisa Ray
as Kalyani
Sarala
as Chuyia
John Abraham
as Narayan
Seema Biswas
as Shakuntala
Waheeda Rehman
as Bhagavati, Narayan's Mother
Vinay Pathak
as Rabindra
Rishma Malik Scott
as Snehalata
Manorama
as Madhumati
Raghubir Yadav
as Gulabi
Gerson Da Cunha
as Seth Dwarkanath
Kulbhushan Kharbanda
as Sadananda
Crew
Director
- Deepa Mehta
Producer
- David Hamilton
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Water 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 Deepa Mehta 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 2005, 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 Water took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1130 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2005, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Water shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Der Zauber des Regenbogens, which focuses more on action than character development, Water offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Last Supper and Titus explore similar territory, Water stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: September 8, 2005
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Revenue: $10,422,387
