Rajshri Deshpande, acclaimed for her riveting performance in the 2023 series Trial By Fire, is set to captivate audiences yet again with her role in the short film Gudgudi. Directed by Abhiroop Basu, Gudgudi has been honored with selection for the 47th Odense International Film Festival in Denmark. The film will grace the festival’s screens on August 27, 29, and 31.
Director Basu turns his lens to the harrowing 2002 Gujarat riots, an episode that left an indelible mark on India’s collective memory. However, what sets Gudgudi apart is its nuanced examination of the riots through the perspective of a mother-daughter duo. Basu, who made a name for himself with the short films Meal (2020) featuring Adil Hussain and Laali (2022) starring Pankaj Tripathi, delves into lesser-known facets of the tragic events in Gujarat.
In preparation for Gudgudi, Basu encountered disturbing revelations about the violence that ravaged Gujarat. “During my research, I came across a shocking news report mentioning that over 150 Hindu women were raped and murdered during the riots,” the director recounts. “This discovery was a moment of reckoning for me. It underscored a grim reality: in times of conflict, women often become mere flesh in the eyes of perpetrators. This understanding became the lens through which I sought to re-examine the riots and narrate this story.”
Deshpande found Basu’s approach to be profoundly resonant. She commended the director for stripping away the superfluous noise surrounding the historical episode. “What struck me most about Abhiroop’s storytelling was his focus on a human story of survival against overwhelming odds,” she says. “By choosing to narrate the 2002 Gujarat riots from a woman’s perspective, he has rendered the tale fresh, urgent, and highly relevant.”
Narrated through the experiences of a mother-daughter pair, Gudgudi attempts to shift the narrative from political posturing and religious nuances to a more human-centric view.
. In doing so, it provides an unfiltered look into the immediate impact of the riots on ordinary lives, particularly focusing on women’s stories that are often sidelined in mainstream accounts. Deshpande, with her compelling screen presence, breathes life into this unique take on historical events.
The Odense International Film Festival, one of Denmark’s prestigious cinematic gatherings, will offer a significant platform for Gudgudi. The festival is renowned for its celebration of short films across varied genres and themes, and the inclusion of Gudgudi speaks volumes about the film’s impactful storytelling.
Audiences at the festival can expect to be deeply moved not just by the story but also by the brilliant performances and sensitive direction. For Deshpande, the role is another step in a career marked by courageous and unconventional choices. Whether playing a lawyer seeking justice in Trial By Fire or appearing in critically acclaimed projects like Sacred Games, she has consistently chosen roles that challenge societal narratives and offer poignant reflections on contemporary issues.
Furthermore, the timing of Gudgudi’s release, amidst a global conversation about women’s rights and gender-based violence, underscores its relevance. As discussions about gender equality and women’s safety continue to take center stage, films like Gudgudi contribute to the dialogue by presenting powerful, personal stories that force audiences to confront difficult truths.
Deshpande is confident that Gudgudi will not only entertain but also provoke thought and foster critical discussions among its viewers. “It’s about reigniting conversations that matter,” she notes. “Through the lens of a mother and daughter, we aim to reflect the broader struggle for justice and humanity.”
As Gudgudi prepares for its international debut, both Deshpande and Basu hope it will pave the way for more stories that focus on underrepresented perspectives, fostering a more inclusive narrative in cinema. The film’s screening at the Odense International Film Festival is just the beginning, they believe, of a much-needed exploration into how historical events are portrayed and who gets to tell these stories.
In a world where visual storytelling continues to shape our understanding of past and present, Gudgudi stands out as a beacon of thought-provoking cinema, urging us to look beyond numbers and headlines to the human stories that equally deserve our attention.
