Haraamkhor

Haraamkhor (2015) is a mesmerizing Indian film that explores the dark corners of the human mind and the ramifications of relationships. Directed by Shlok Sharma and produced by Anurag Kashyap, this film is an insight into life in a small village in India, where dark sides and secrets surround every street corner.

The film’s setting takes place in a small village in Gujarat, where life is still surrounded by strict social regulations. In a society where love are still tabu topics, Haraamkhor presents the story of a forbidden love between a young teacher and a female student. But not only does it stop at this controversial love affair, the film also delves deeply into many social issues such as teenage, domestic violence and the tangled events of mistakes and regrets.

The film revolves around two main characters: Shyam Tekchand (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui) and Sandhya (played by Shweta Tripathi). Shyam, a young and fearless teacher, teaches a small class in a local school. In contrast to his professional teaching style, he quickly became the object of his students’ curiosity and concern. Meanwhile, Sandhya, a high school student, lives in a family plagued by poverty and turmoil, feeling lost and lonely. Their meeting leads to a powerful but taboo relationship, causing them both to face troubles and unwanted consequences.

One of the highlights of Haraamkhor is the way it gives a multidimensional view of the characters. Instead of evaluating and making simple criticisms, the film explores deeply into the minds and motivations of each character, showing that within each person there are bright and dark sides. Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a subtle and sharp performance as Shyam, helping the audience feel the complexity and multi-dimensionality of the character. Meanwhile, Shweta Tripathi portrays Sandhya’s vulnerability and struggle in a remarkable way.

Haraamkhor is also a realistic picture of life in Indian villages, with all its contradictions, joys and pains.

Haraamkhor is not only a film about the taboo love between the two main characters but also a delicate work of art, raising profound questions about human psychology and society. With impressive acting and a sharp script, this film certainly deserves to be one of the notable works of art in Indian cinema.