Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
Writer/director: Aruna Raje, Netflix.
A drama set in India, Firebrand is a contemporary story about relationships and the highs and lows people deal with in their lives.
The film features an ensemble of talented artists that include National Award-winners Usha Jadhav and Girish Kulkarni.
A social commentary, it would not be wrong to say it’s empowering in its feminist statement. It’s a revealing and responsible telling, examining the emotional and psychological aftermath of rape and the intricacies inherent in the healing process.
A successful Mumbai-based divorce lawyer, Sunanda Raut (a worthy portrayal by Jadhav) is at the centre of this story. She was the victim of a tragic sexual assault many years earlier. Jadhav is admirably supported by award winning actor Kulkarni, who plays the role of her husband, Madhav Patkar, an architect by profession.
Interspersed with multiple flashbacks and surreal nightmares that depict that earlier rape, paramount is the persecution, untrue accusations and the challenges of recovery.
Jadhav injects a lot of strength into the pivotal character, which is the part-successful formula of Firebrand. Not only is she calm, but conspicuous in portraying the inner turmoil of the protagonist. She’s a tough lawyer who never fails to ensure justice for her clients, with an enviable reputation for honesty and an unfailing professional track record. Nevertheless, that is not enough to help her to liberate herself from the scars of a shocking sexual assault she faced as a schoolgirl.
Hard-hitting it is, but it does not detract from the fact that the remarkably placid spirit of Firebrand is surprising. Director Aruna Raje exerts authority and persuasion, in a minimalist manner, which are purely embedded as the story unfolds of a concerned lawyer fighting to gain control of her life – and her body.
High on drama, Firebrand is as much about consideration as it is about declaration.
