“To Kill a Tiger” is a powerful and eye-opening documentary that ushers its audience into the heart of an unfathomable struggle faced by a young Indian girl and her unwavering family. Directed by Nisha Pahuja, the film has garnered a 3.5/5 rating and spans over 128 minutes of a harrowing yet inspiring journey of seeking justice.
In Bera village, Jharkhand, a 13-year-old girl’s life is changed forever when she falls victim to a gang rape by three men. In a deeply patriarchal society where such crimes often go unheard and unresolved, her father, Ranjit, takes an extraordinary step. In an act of immense bravery and love, he challenges both the societal norms and the very community that advises him to resolve the situation by marrying off his devastated daughter to one of her rapists.
Rape is reported to occur every 18-20 minutes in India, as cited by the World Population Review. This staggering statistic becomes more chilling with the understanding that numerous instances go unreported, casting a shadow over the true expanse of sexual violence in the country. Ranjit’s decision to seek justice is met with opposition, stigmatization, and isolation, reflecting the entrenched moral codes that prioritize ‘honor’ over human rights and dignity.
His family’s battle is not solitary, as they are aided by Srijan, a gender rights group that provides the necessary support to navigate and challenge an often daunting legal landscape. Their perseverance bears fruit as the perpetrators are eventually arrested and convicted. However, their fight is far from over, with an appeal looming and an uncertain future.
Pahuja’s documentary does not only narrate a story of legal struggle; it delves deeply into the societal psyche and the familial pain that accompany such incidents of violence. Ranjit’s determination to provide his children with education and a solid foundation stands in stark contrast to the victim-blaming mentality that the villagers harbor. The heart-wrenching alienation experienced by the family and the refusal to allow the daughter space to heal highlight the critical lack of psycho-social support systems in remote Indian villages.
The activists from Srijan recognize the failure to address the root cause of gender-based violence — the lack of respect for and understanding of gender equality. They embark on an initiative to educate and shift behavioral patterns that have perpetuated the cycle of violence and silence after the rape.
“To Kill a Tiger” is a narrative on multiple levels, contrasting the perspectives of the victim and her family with those of the offenders and their kin. What resonates throughout the film is Ranjit’s adamant refusal to succumb to a fate imposed on his daughter and her own courage to stand against her aggressors. Their defiance provides a glimmer of hope amidst the pervasive darkness of societal prejudice and provides strength to the documentary’s poignant storytelling.
This formidable documentary plays a dual role as both a piece of poignant art and a mirror reflecting on Indian society’s insensitivity towards gender violence. It highlights the urgent need for awareness, societal support, and improved psycho-social services to aid victims and their families. Filled with moments of both hope and despair, “To Kill a Tiger” is an important film that demands to be watched and reflected upon, challenging viewers to confront the complexities of crime, culture, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
