Produced by NFDC, “Mirch Masala” (meaning “Hot Spice”) is a 1987 Hindi film directed by Ketan Mehta. Set in rural pre-independence India, it’s loosely inspired by a four-page Chunilal Madia story, called “Abhu Makrani”, and other stories of rebellious women in colonial times that the director heard of on his travels in Gujarat. 

Buy This Title

You can access Amazon by selecting the image below.

In the 1940s, in a village located in the Rann of Kutch, a severe drought puts a riverside community at risk. Sonbai, a determined woman, joins a group of women working in a factory that makes chili powder. Subedar, a newcomer to the village, sometimes participates in robbery. One day, he makes an unwanted sexual advance towards Sonbai, who responds by slapping him.

Subedar’s rejection deeply hurts not only his feelings for Sonbai, but also his sense of masculinity. In order to heal this wound, he resorts to trying to tarnish Sonbai’s reputation. He treats her as if she were a piece of property to be bought. As a result, the women of the factory seek protection within its walls, under the care of the gatekeeper Abu Miya (played by Om Puri). The caste system, which is deeply ingrained in Indian society, compounds the patriarchal values that dictate Sonbai’s honor and reputation, ultimately affecting the entire village. Despite this, Sonbai remains determined to fight for her beliefs. With the help of a guard from a neighboring chili factory, the village teacher, and other women, she openly opposes the oppression that has been imposed upon them.

Check also this interview

“Mirch Masala” follows the journey of a woman who courageously stands up against her oppressor. It highlights the importance of unity in overcoming oppression, a message that resonates across all communities. As the power of unity grows, the film builds towards a climactic search for freedom. This thought-provoking and emotional film beautifully portrays the struggles, resilience, and hope of women.

The female characters in the film are portrayed with a sense of individuality, while the male characters are portrayed with a sense of social standing. Another intriguing element is the way the women who work in the factory discuss sex. Their conversations differ greatly from the male perspective and allow for a genuine feminist dialogue. Men view sex as a matter of honor and pride, while women see it as a normal and regular part of life. Additionally, the film effectively intertwines feminist themes with political ones, specifically the role of social class in Indian society. This topic is cleverly depicted through subtle hints, such as the use of words like “kamjaat (low caste)” and “dayaan (witch)”, which are used to belittle Sonbai.

“Mirch Masala” surprisingly handles its topics and representation with lucidity and sincerity, depicting all the varied female experiences from various social backgrounds. In fact, in all realism, the movie, unlike other Bollywood feminist movies, it shows women’s hardships without ever portraying them as helpless creatures. Instead, they’re strong individuals who know what they want and how to get it. They’re portrayed as real people with desires, conflicts, and pleasures. Even when they experience hardships, the movie does not fall in the trap of becoming abundantly pessimistic regarding their depiction.

Ketan Mehta’s story wastes no time in revealing the individuals who are actively, hypocritically, and passively contributing to a widespread patriarchal system. It effectively delivers a strong message through captivating storytelling and a diverse depiction of society. “Mirch Masala” is a must-see tale of passionate revenge, woven with natural and rustic tones, influenced by traditional stories, and filled with dramatic moments.