Draupadi Unleased is an American made film with actors of Indian descent and tells the story of a young woman Indira (Salena Qureshi) who is born into a wealthy aristocratic society in 1930’s India. Living amidst a society positioned around male dominance and arranged marriages, Indira wants to find her own identity. Based on the novel by Nisha Sabharwal, Draupadi Unleased takes place in Quetta, a beautiful city in the mountains in British India-now Pakistan—just before a massive earthquake kills over 40,000 people. Tremors and a shaking chandelier foretell of the pending disaster. As if she is reading from the novel itself, Nisha Sabharwal wonderfully narrates the film and also co-directs it.
Indira is the youngest of three generations of women caught up in a male dominated society. Indira’s mother Sita (Melanie Chandra) plays a vital role and the story begins with Sita meeting her soon to be husband; after marrying and conceiving Indira, Sita is visited by a mystical boy who gives her a magical book with words stating her husband will soon die and she will be free. The next morning Sita awakes to find her husband has passed away. Her mother-in-law Amma (Anna George) accepts Sita as a daughter; and, Indira grows up under the influence of two beautiful women in a sheltered environment. When Indira is sixteen, activities commence for a proposed arranged marriage. First, Sita’s brother-in-law Dev (Saad Siddiqui), wife Masumi (Azita Ghanizada), and son Gautam (Taha Shah Badussha) arrive at the mansion. Next, the proposed fiancé Amar (Dominic Rains) and his family arrive. Amar is tall, sure of himself, and heir to a sugar mill. Indira learns Amar and Masumi are attracted to each other. While Indira likes Amar, she doesn’t want to marry him. Cousin Gautam likes Indira and the two end up in a liaison. After Indira visits Amar’s home, and humiliates herself by spilling the tea tray, she runs to Gautam for comfort. Gautam persuades Indira to leave home with him; but, after a night away, Indira realizes she has to return to her family and her duty.
Although Amar is aware of Indira’s indiscretions, he accepts the marriage proposal and tells Indira he expects her to behave herself and to be faithful. A swami Manu (Cas Anvar) comes to Amma’s home to bless the upcoming union. Manu asks everyone to meditate and he seems to know what is on everyone’s thoughts, especially Indira’s thoughts. Despite her wish not to marry Amar, Indira does so and looks resigned at the ceremony. Amar puts on a good face at the wedding, but afterward turns to Masumi to heal his wounded pride. The plot thickens and Indira is forced to face her destiny. With exquisite costumes, a lavish setting, and strong performances, this film portrays Indian society at its height in the 1930’s. Strong Optional. Aud: H, C, P.