Water

I have to admit that i do get rather tired or watching Bollywood films sometimes what with the similar concept of music, dance and violence. But if there is one Bollywood production that you have to watch, it would have to be Water by Deepa Mehta.

Firstly, you will notice that this movie has no song sequences where you find the cast dancing and singing. Besides the absense of that concept, the whole story line is very different from your usual Indiam film hence setting it apart from the others.

Water is a film focusing on the lives of the widows in the 1930s, when misinterpreted Hindu beliefs forced widows (one of them is a 9 year old girl) to live in a widows' house, shunned by the community. It takes you on a journey, exposing you to the perils that these widows were put through (and sadly, some are STILL being mistreated in similar ways) and questions certain controversial issues.

Because of its controversial nature, it sparked protests from Indians and the shooting of this film was postponed for a few years. However, Water is is no way condemning Hinduism. It merely speaks of certain unlawful Brahmins of those times who used the Holy Scriptures for their personal gains.

It's an eye-opener!