“Bheed” is a 2023 Hindi social drama film directed by Anubhav Sinha. Known for his socially conscious films, Sinha continues the trend with Bheed, which is set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 lockdown in India. The film focuses on the struggles faced by migrant workers and other marginalized communities during the nationwide lockdown and portrays the social inequalities that were magnified during the crisis.
Story:
The story of Bheed draws parallels between the lockdown’s mass migration and the Partition of India in 1947. It centers on a group of migrants who are stranded at the borders of a state as the government-imposed lockdown halts all transportation. They face hardships such as hunger, police brutality, and lack of basic amenities. The film highlights the plight of these individuals who were left to fend for themselves, showcasing the stark class divide in the country.
Rajkummar Rao plays a police officer trying to manage the chaotic situation, while Bhumi Pednekar portrays a healthcare worker dealing with the challenges of the pandemic. Pankaj Kapur, Ashutosh Rana, and Dia Mirza are part of the ensemble cast, portraying different aspects of the crisis.
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Rajkummar Rao | Police officer (Surya Kumar Singh Tikas) |
| Bhumi Pednekar | Renu Sharma (Doctor) |
| Pankaj Kapur | Trivedi (Migrant worker) |
| Ashutosh Rana | Senior government officer |
| Dia Mirza | Geetanjali (Mother of a stranded child) |
Themes:
Bheed is a hard-hitting commentary on the class and caste divide that became even more apparent during the pandemic. The film delves deep into the socio-economic inequalities in India, and how crises disproportionately affect the underprivileged. Through its characters, it portrays the emotional and physical struggles of those who were forced to walk hundreds of miles to reach their homes.
Reception:
Bheed garnered praise for its bold storytelling and sensitive portrayal of a difficult period in recent history. Critics applauded Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Kapur for their powerful performances, while director Anubhav Sinha was lauded for his honest and unflinching approach to the subject matter. The film, however, faced challenges at the box office, possibly due to its serious and uncomfortable themes, which some viewers may have found too heavy.
Despite its limited commercial success, Bheed sparked important conversations about social justice, government accountability, and the hardships faced by the country’s poorest citizens during the pandemic.
Conclusion:
Bheed is an important film for viewers interested in socially relevant cinema. It brings to light the tragic realities faced by marginalized communities during the COVID-19 lockdown, making it a poignant and thought-provoking watch. While not an easy film to sit through due to its intense subject matter, it stands out as a significant piece of cinematic commentary on contemporary India’s socio-political landscape.
