The Unconventional Release of Zindagi Tamasha
Zindagi Tamasha ( The Circus of Life) is a highly anticipated film 0f 2019, it got embroiled in controversies that delayed its release for 4 years. Finally, it was released on YouTube on 4 August 2023. The release of an internationally acclaimed movie on YouTube instead of theatres after 4 years of delay is not the only mind-boggling thing. But also the fact that it still did not get its nationwide theatrical release despite fulfilling all the legal procedures, and having the censor board certificates from all three boards of the country.
I watched the Film as soon as it was released on YouTube to finally get the hang of the saga surrounding it.
Exploring Zindagi Tamasha’s Thought-Provoking Themes
The aim here is not to talk about the storyline in a way that will give spoilers to the readers. However, I do want to talk about certain themes that the film highlights. This may help in understanding the perplexity surrounding this Film. The film reflects on the typical gender roles of our society by portraying an anomaly. A man doing what is expected of a woman in our society. A man cooking, doing all the household work and also taking care of his ailing wife.
It highlights through several scenes the hypocrisy of our society in the way we treat the Khwaja Sira community. On the one hand, we invite them on the occasions of weddings, and births for their blessing. On the other hand, we ridicule them for dancing and begging on the streets. It reflects on how we as a society have failed to provide them with a secure environment. How we have failed to provide them with job opportunities we consider respectable while simultaneously not letting them live the only way available to them. The film also casts a critical eye on the image of clergy and the unsettling practice of “bacha bazi,” shedding light on issues often left unspoken.
Moreover, the films also explore the contemporary issues of the digital age. The posting of content without the consent of the concerned person, the meme culture, and digital bullying. It also explores how these things affect a person and their family’s lives. Most importantly it portrays how society-even the loved ones-ostracizes a previously respected person just because he no longer fits the norms determined by that society.
What Zindagi Tamasha Reveals About Us as a Society
After watching the film I did not find anything objectable in the movie. Instead, I believe that it addresses some of the critical topics that demand a conversation within our society. Of course, this would not be the case for everybody watching the film. There would be people who would not like the film at all. Those who would disagree with certain content, its portrayal and many other things in the film. This is a natural thing and is part of the process of any art made to be showcased to the audience. However, for this to happen audiences should first be free to experience the art-the chance Zindagi tamasha was not given for 4 years.
What does it say about our society where it’s a recurring practice of banning various mediums of expression– in this case, a Film that fulfils all the legalities and passes the censor board requirements? For me, this question reflects our society’s inability to critically self-reflect on itself. The intolerance of our society to the opinions of others and the inability to talk about social issues that need to be voiced. It also shows how few individuals in our society silence those whose opinions do not align with their narrative.
Banning, on the other hand, doesn’t help in suppressing the content either. It has the unintended effect of piquing curiosity among the people. It often makes people more eager to explore the very content that has been suppressed. They try to obtain it through illegal means, which only does a disservice to the hard work of the artist.
Conclusion
Zindagi Tamasha is a film that challenges social norms and explores pressing issues of our time. It is now available on YouTube, allowing audiences to engage with the content, accept, reject, and critique it as they see fit. Zindagi Tamasha not only reminds us to be tolerant of different perspectives, and to be self-reflective. It also gives us an opportunity to engage in open and constructive dialogues about societal issues that often remain unspoken. I urge you all to watch it and join in the conversation it sparks.
link to the Film: https://youtu.be/xUkJEnHCaos?si=UdAPujlhK4nNZh5A
One thought on “Zindagi Tamasha: Four Years of Silence”
Perfect analysis of imperfections in society. Good job Mahnoor👍