Water

Indian films are making a mark at the international stage and latest of the bunch is Deepa Mehta's "Water". The Film has made it to the Oscar Nomination for Best Foreign Film catagory. Well, this entry is not as an Indian film but a Canadian one.

Although it's set in Varanasi, the Film was shot in Sri Lanka. Earlier it was scheduled to be shot in Varanasi in 2000, but following the Protests from Self declared "Hindu Cultural police" Mehta had to stop filming. She then struggled for years to make the film and finally shot it with a new Cast and Crew in Sri Lanka.

Set in 1938, the Film is based on lives of widows living in Ashrams (Asylums) in Varanasi and the miseries they faced. The Situation is not too changed even today.

As a woman herself, Deepa's efforts and determination stand out, in making the film.

With "Water", Deepa Mehta has completed the Element triology- "Fire" (1996) and "Earth" (1998) and "Water" (2005)- all based on Indian backdrop and all featuring women in lead role.

I wish all the Best to "Water" for a Oscar Success...