DVDS

A Suitable Girl

94 min. Sarita Khurana & Smriti Mundhra, dist. by Collective Eye, www.collectiveeye.org. 2018. DVD UPC 857670005589. $50; public performance $125; acad. libs. $295. WOMEN'S STUDIES
COPY ISBN
The image of a teary-eyed bride as she goes through elaborate wedding preparations and then the ceremony tells the story of this striking documentary. Four years in the making, it follows three young women—Ritu, Dipti, and Amrita—as they face the inevitable showdown when Indian society demands that they become wives. Dipti eagerly accepts this mandate, as she and her family comb through ads, survey online dating sites, and endure awkward face-to-face encounters on the hunt for a husband. Ritu wishes to continue her education and pursue a modern life and career, while Amrita fears losing her identity altogether. In the end, all that the women dreaded and hoped for is realized. Societal pressure on young women and men to marry is stronger than any one individual.
VERDICT A wonderful addition to collections in libraries with a large Indian diaspora population, this film is also appropriate as a conversation catalyst for women's studies, sociology, feminism, and modern Indian curricula.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?