Sare Jahan Se Accha
Sare Jahan Se Accha
Directed by Gurprasad Singh | Review by Moumita Deb
Sare Jahan Se Accha with its intensifying graph of rising sorrow is one of those movies that leave an indelible impression on our minds, reminding us again and again that this heinous crime of brutal abuse continues to thrive under our silence day in and day out. The theme strongly addresses the most sensitive issue of child sexual exploitation as one of the ugliest hidden realities of India’s dangerously repressed society. The film exposes, through the portrayal of profoundly captivating emotions, the hypocrisy of a morally degenerated society. Though set on a fictitious story, the plot is well-knit and doesn’t just narrate a story, it awakens the senses and generates a deep sense of abhorring fear about what is happening in many parts of the world, particularly in India. The title most sarcastically mocks at the deceivingly hollow promises a patriotic song makes when it glorifies the nation that no longer deserves to be glorified and broadly thrives on imperfections. The unbearable physical trauma, mental and emotional strain, as well as the many other factors that the victim experiences are most convincingly eye openers to these unfortunate events and unlocks the fighter within each one of us and makes us instrumental in spreading this message.
The film’s purpose of educating and having us hear the cry of the many silent victims of child abuse is truly admirable. Undoubtedly this film will reach many places, not only because of its award-winning stature but also because of the awareness that it is trying to generate within the hearts of its viewers, while staunchly advocating the noble cause. The heart-wrenching storyline, as well as the moving performance of child actresses Daneen Kaur and Arshia Sharma, are unquestionably worthy of critical appreciation. This movie is sure to create a lasting impression on the heart and soul of the viewers. Fantastically acted and beautifully filmed, this great work by director Gurprasad Singh is sure to brew up a storm as a stand against child molestation at its worst. The film is pivoted on the important yet painful subject of abuse. There has been quite a while since we had such a powerful short movie focused on abuse, and mainly on child abuse. Subtly addressing this sensitive issue, we get an honest glimpse of what it feels to be deprived of honor and dignity at an early childhood…… but the effect is more far-reaching than that; Singh’s story is the clarion call for the much-awaited action against such atrocities. This story tells so much with so little, and we truly appreciate the simple yet comprehensive way in which 'Sare Jahan Se Accha' is created and the real emotions brought forth with such clarity and finesse.
The victim, Azma, could easily be the face of a brand-new campaign against such brutal abuse. She is a tragic victim of circumstances, a lost soul, a person who died inside right at the beginning of her journey. She transcends the barriers of pain and other earthly emotions, and all we can see in her eyes is the calmness and poise one can usually find locked in the eyes of a sacrificed baby goat. The level of emotion this short film delivers is overwhelming, and there is no other way of watching it than with not only our eyes but with our hearts too. We can all identify with the helplessness of the dewy-eyed Rameshah. The frustration that is ignited from a feeling of being powerless is, real and painful that we can wholeheartedly empathize with.
How much effort does the government of a country exert to educate, prevent, and take action against child sexual abuse? And what is the community’s role in this unfortunate cruelty? How are we going to stand up for these children and help put a stop to this nightmare? These are some of the questions that the film has endeavored to address, evoking our moral commitment to combat such crimes in society. The film cuts one up, opens one up to feel deeply about abusing girl child in the sickest possible way in portraying a ferocity that shocks you out of complacency. It's real, it's brutal, and it's well paced. Overall, a great realistic depiction of derangement and child torture, Sare Jahan se Achha is an amazing research into the things that happen beneath our noses, until it gets out in the papers, and then, we are all shocked. If you can handle the emotional intensity and implied violence and the most horrific real-life situations, you must go for it.
Moumita is a Kolkata based independent filmmaker and film critic. She holds a post- graduation degree in English literature from Jadavpur University. Reading novels of a wide range of authors of all genres from classic to contemporary has always been Moumita’s passion and calling. She also takes a strong liking in playing the Spanish guitar & has participated in quite a few concerts. Moumita has done her certification course in Cinematography, Video Editing and Filmmaking.
