Veteran filmmaker Aparna Sen has always been known for her sensitive and thought-provoking films. One of her most powerful works is Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, released in 2002, shortly after the tragic Godhra violence in Gujarat. The movie was not just a film, but a statement on love, humanity, and communal harmony in times of hatred.
Aparna Sen’s Mr. and Mrs. Iyer Promotes Humanity
The story is set in the Himalayan foothills, where Meenakshi Iyer (played by Konkona Sen Sharma) is traveling with her baby son to return to Kolkata. Her parents ask Raja Chowdhury (played by Rahul Bose) to look after her during the journey. Raja is a wildlife photographer and a stranger to Meenakshi.
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As the journey continues, the bus they are traveling in is stopped due to communal riots. Violence erupts after the killing of a Muslim man, leading to widespread destruction and fear. Meenakshi, a conservative Tamil Brahmin woman, initially distances herself from Raja after learning that he is a Muslim. However, when rioters threaten Raja’s life, she courageously introduces him as her husband to save him.
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This turning point shows the deep transformation in her character. Despite her upbringing filled with caste and religious boundaries, she chooses compassion and courage over prejudice. Slowly, a bond of trust and affection develops between the two. Through this relationship, Aparna Sen conveys a strong message: human connection and empathy are the only way to heal divisions in society.
The bus journey in the film becomes a metaphor for life itself, an external road full of challenges that also triggers an internal journey of self-discovery. Aparna Sen herself explained that journeys open people to new experiences and help them confront truths about themselves and others.
Mr. and Mrs. Iyer received wide appreciation for its storytelling, subtle handling of sensitive issues, and outstanding performances by Konkona Sen Sharma and Rahul Bose. The film remains relevant even today, reminding audiences that love, kindness, and unity must prevail over hatred and division.
Through this movie, Aparna Sen not only responded to the violence of her time but also offered hope that humanity can triumph in the darkest moments.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
