Bebaak: Heartfelt Reminder Of The Weight Patriarchy Lays On Women

Inside a middle-class house setup, a mother is busy getting dinner ready. Her husband sitting across from her, helping out by chopping vegetables. Their three daughters are happily picking their outfits, going to school and college, and discussing big dreams, all without letting their religious beliefs hold them back. What an ideal family frame, right? However, as the societal realm enters the frame, the family's joy becomes tainted by the troubled mix of religious extremism and deeply ingrained patriarchy.

In a thought-provoking 20-minute short film titled Bebaak, directed by Shazia Iqbal and co-produced by Anurag Kashyap, available on JioCinema, we witness this compelling narrative unfold.

Bebaak Review

Featuring Sheeba Chaddha, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sarah Hashmi and Vipin Sharma, the short film revolves around the character Fatin. Fatin, portrayed by Hashmi, resides in a simple household with her parents, two sisters, and a brother. While they maintain relatively open-minded values and allow their daughters the freedom to make their own choices in clothing and friendships, the conservative atmosphere outside their home demands constant vigilance, especially for their daughters.

In a particular situation, Fatin finds herself in a dilemma when she needs financial support to continue her education.

A fund's secretary, played by Siddiqui, is willing to provide the necessary funds, but with a condition: Fatin must conform to societal expectations by wearing a hijab. Will Fatin choose to follow these age-old traditions, or will she bravely stand up against a society that doesn't let women choose what they want to wear, what to study, how to walk, laugh, or live?

A Story Of Women's Resilience Rooted In Hope

Family often serves as a woman's strongest pillar when she strives for progress. However, when they witness that same family succumbing to traditional beliefs and societal pressures, it can leave them feeling trapped and vulnerable. Then, there's only one thing that helps women move forward, and that is, if we bow down, there are those behind us who perhaps don't want to see us bow down and seek inspiration from us. The unwavering hope in their eyes fuels our determination to stand strong and never give in.

When Fatin sees that she's become an inspiration to a little hijabi girl but, soon after, watches that hope fade when she wears a hijab herself, something inside her lights up and she decides to not let that hope die. She decides to stand up to society and say no to the age-old traditions that are personally unacceptable to her.

Bebaak is a heartfelt reminder of how the weight of religion, society, and patriarchy can bear down on women. Yet, it shines a light on the inner strength of women and the hope that should never be allowed to fade.

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