To live and die for
23 April 2012
"Land Gold Women" is a brave attempt on the subject of honour killing that has splashed across the media. Professor of History in University of Birmingham is having mid-life crisis and finds himself at crossroads when his teenage daughter is dating a "kaffir". The subject is bold and potential immense, however gets washed down owing to lack to depth. The patriarch is simply shown yearning for his motherland by brooding over nostalgic songs. His character could have elevated by examining his social network after the onset of 9/11 and religious affinity which gets aggravated by the arrival of his staunch and imposing brother. Om Puri in "East is East" is a perfect example where trivial things make up a complete character which can speak volumes on itself. But that shouldn't steal the thunder from Avantika Hari for her brave effort to undertake a road lesser travelled.

In terms of performances, Narinder Samra stands out with a theatre like performance infusing life into the character of Nazir Ali Khan. Next its Hassani Shapi who gets into the skin of Riyaaz Ali Khan ensuring you will hate the very sight of him. Renu Brindle compliments nicely. Neelam Parmar as the daughter is strictly okay. The two lawyers though do a good job was an unwarranted track that could have been done away with.

PS: The three elements in which tribal honour is preserved are Zameen, Zar (Zevar) and Joru (Aurat) ie. land, gold and women.
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