About

In Kasba, Shahani adapts the Chekhov short story 'In the Hollow' (1900) to an Indian context, and uses visual codes drawn from the tradition of miniature painting from Kangra. The film uses this traditional art form as a framing device to explore themes of India's industrialisation and the emancipation of women. Protagonist Tejo is constructed as a Nayika, the iconic female figure in the tradition of Kangra miniatures (a local avatar of Radha). In Kasba, however, there is no Krishna (Nayaka — the male counterpart) to meet the Nayika's passion; the object of her passion is displaced and she is instead enamoured of money and independence. Kasba won the Indian Filmfare Critics award for best feature film in 1991.

Ages 15+