The Shameless (2024) by Konstantin Bojanov: A Daring Escape into Forbidden Love

Short Summary: A Desperate Journey for Freedom

In a tense opening, Renuka, a sex worker, flees a Delhi brothel after killing a policeman. Her desperate escape leads her to a community of devadasis in northern India, where she finds unexpected refuge and a blossoming romance with Devika, a young girl destined for the same life of prostitution. The film chronicles their perilous journey to escape the law and societal constraints, as they risk everything for a chance at a life together.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15437986/

Link Review: https://icsfilm.org/festivals/sarajevo/2024-sarajevo/sarajevo-2024-review-the-shameless-konstantin-bojanov/

About movie: https://www.akkafilms.ch/en/the-shameless-eng/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/the-shameless (France)

Detailed Summary: The Unconventional Fable

The story of The Shameless is a poignant exploration of defiance and love against all odds.

• The Escape: The film begins with Renuka's (Anasuya Sengupta) violent and dramatic flight from a Delhi brothel after a fatal confrontation with a corrupt police officer. This act of self-preservation sets her on a path of an unending flight from the law.

• The Sanctuary: Seeking shelter, she finds herself in a community of devadasis—girls dedicated to a goddess and condemned to a life of prostitution. It is here that she meets the 17-year-old Devika (Omara), a spirited girl with a rebellious streak and dreams of being a rapper.

• The Forbidden Romance: A deep and forbidden connection forms between Renuka and Devika. Their relationship becomes a powerful symbol of hope and defiance against the oppressive, patriarchal world they inhabit. They find in each other a solace and a shared dream of escaping their predetermined fate.

• The Perilous Journey: The two women embark on a dangerous journey, not only to escape the police but also the societal chains that threaten to pull them back. Their quest is for freedom and the chance to build a life on their own terms, away from the violence and exploitation that have defined their existence.

Director's Vision: From Documentary to Fable

Konstantin Bojanov's vision for The Shameless began more than a decade before its release and underwent a significant transformation.

• Bojanov initially conceived the project as a documentary inspired by William Dalrymple's non-fiction book Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India. He was particularly drawn to a story about a devadasi sex worker.

• The documentary concept was abandoned due to the challenges of filming in multiple languages and the difficulty of gaining the trust of the subjects. Instead, he decided to create a fictional narrative, describing his film not as social realism, but as a "fable."

• Bojanov was inspired by Miloš Forman's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, seeing a parallel in the story of an outsider rebelling against an insular, oppressive community. This influence is reflected in the film's focus on rebellion and the quest for personal freedom.

• A key element of his vision was exploring the "what if" of a love story between two women in this community. He noticed the tender relationships between women in his research and built the central romance of the film around this observation.

Themes: Liberation and Defiance

The film delves into a number of powerful and resonant themes.

• Female Empowerment and Agency: The movie showcases women who are fighting back against a system designed to exploit and control them. Renuka's initial act of violence is an act of survival, and her relationship with Devika is a journey of reclaiming their bodies and futures.

• Forbidden Love and Identity: The central romance between Renuka and Devika is a defiant act against social norms and expectations. Their love story is a source of strength, enabling them to find a sense of self and belonging in a world that has denied them both.

• Systemic Oppression: The film unflinchingly portrays the realities of the devadasi system, a practice of religious prostitution that, despite being outlawed, continues to exist. It highlights how religion and tradition can be manipulated to justify exploitation.

• The Search for Sanctuary: Renuka and Devika are constantly on the run, seeking a place where they can be safe and truly free. Their journey is a literal and metaphorical search for a sanctuary where their love can thrive without fear of persecution.

Key Success Factors: A Powerful Performance

The film's success is largely attributed to its powerful central performance and unique storytelling.

• Anasuya Sengupta's Performance: The lead actress, Anasuya Sengupta, delivers a captivating and magnetic performance as Renuka. Her portrayal of a woman who is both hardened by life and capable of profound tenderness is a critical highlight.

• A Non-Realistic Approach: By embracing a "fable-like" storytelling style, the film avoids the pitfalls of an outsider attempting to make a hyper-realistic film about a culture not his own. This approach allows for a more cinematic and emotionally resonant narrative.

• Timely and Relevant Subject Matter: The film tackles complex issues such as female subjugation, LGBTQ+ love, and corruption. The themes resonate with modern audiences, sparking conversations about social justice and human rights.

Awards & Nominations: A Historic Win

The Shameless received significant international recognition, most notably at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The film's lead actress, Anasuya Sengupta, made history by becoming the first Indian actor to win the Best Actress Award in the Un Certain Regard section. The film itself was nominated for the Un Certain Regard award. It has also been an official selection at several other prestigious festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival and the Sarajevo Film Festival.

Critics Reception: A Compelling and Unconventional Story

Critics have largely praised the film for its compelling narrative and Anasuya Sengupta's performance.

• Variety noted that "A remarkable lead performance illuminates radical visions of Indian womanhood," highlighting Sengupta's powerful portrayal.

• Cineuropa described the film as a "breakthrough" for its "brave portrayal of a lesbian romance in an Indian setting," while also acknowledging that the plot can feel "conventional" and "tedious at times."

• Screen Rant wrote that while the plot is "overwrought," Sengupta is "never less than compelling" in her first screen role.

• Overall Summary: The critical consensus is that the film is a powerful and important work, driven by a historically significant lead performance. While some critics found the plot to be conventional or over-the-top, the film's bold themes and courageous storytelling were widely celebrated.

Reviews: A Pulsating and Uncomfortable Experience

The film has been described as a "pulsating, relentless, uncomfortable" experience. Reviewers have praised the film for its unflinching look at difficult topics and its ability to create a visually distinct and emotionally charged world.

• The Upcoming praised the "contrasting, and outstanding, performances" of the two lead actresses and highlighted how the film's final act evolves into a "lovelorn thriller."

• Film Critics Guild noted that the film, though "dramatic and dark," has "much appreciative theatrical performances" and a strong sense of wit from Sengupta's character.

• Overall Summary: Reviewers generally agree that the movie is a challenging but rewarding watch. Its emotional intensity and the raw, authentic performances by its lead actors make it a memorable cinematic experience.

Why to recommend movie: A Glimpse into a Different World

• A Historic Performance: Anasuya Sengupta's award-winning performance is a must-see. Her powerful and nuanced portrayal of a woman seeking freedom is the heart of the film.

• A Unique Love Story: The romance between Renuka and Devika is a rare and powerful depiction of LGBTQ+ love in a deeply conservative setting. It’s a story of finding hope and connection in the most dire of circumstances.

• A Bold Thematic Exploration: The movie tackles challenging and important subjects, including the exploitation of women, systemic corruption, and the fight for autonomy. It's a film that will provoke thought and conversation.

Movie Trend: Socially Conscious Cinema

The Shameless is following the trend of socially conscious cinema, particularly films that use a fictional narrative to shed light on real-world injustices. It joins a growing body of work that seeks to expose hidden or taboo social issues, often from the perspective of marginalized communities. This trend is characterized by a desire to provoke thought and advocate for social change through the medium of film.

Social Trend: The Rise of LGBTQ+ Representation

The film is a part of the broader social trend of increased LGBTQ+ representation in media. As societies become more open to diverse identities, there is a growing demand for authentic and complex portrayals of queer characters and relationships. The Shameless contributes to this trend by showing a lesbian romance in a setting where such relationships are heavily stigmatized, offering a vital and courageous narrative.

Final Verdict: A Triumphant and Unforgettable Story

The Shameless is a powerful, brave, and deeply moving film. It is not an easy watch, but it is an essential one. Driven by a historic and unforgettable performance from Anasuya Sengupta, the movie is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and a powerful call for freedom and love in the face of overwhelming oppression.