DVD Diva: Controversial Movies by Deepa Mehta

There’s more to Bollywood than just singing. Take a look at these controversial movies by Deepa Mehta.

This Toronto-based director of Bollywood/Hollywood has earned international attention with her films. She is considered by many to be one of the finest new directors on the horizon. With films like the Fire/Earth/Water Trilogy, she is quickly becoming the voice of a new India.


Fire
In a barren, arranged marriage to an amateur swami who seeks enlightenment through celibacy, Radha's life takes an irresistible turn when her beautiful young sister-in-law seeks to free herself from the confines of her own loveless marriage and falls into the supple embrace of Radha. More information at Internet Movie Database (IMDb)





Earth
A romantic drama set in 1947 in Lahore (before India and Pakistan became independent), where Hindus, Sikhs, Parsees, and Muslims share a peaceful co-existence. Events are seen from the point of view of eight-year-old Lenny, a girl from an affluent Parsee family. Lenny's nanny, Shantya, is involved with the Muslim masseur. When a train of Muslims arrives at the local depot and all the passengers are found murdered, the various sects turn against each other, and the city is soon aflame. More at IMDb



Water
Chuyia, an Indian girl who has already been married and widowed at just eight years old, is sent away to a home where Hindu widows must live in penitence. Her feisty presence affects the other residents, forcing each to confront their faith, as well as society's prejudices. More at IMDb