In her debut film, Peepli Live (2010), Anusha Rizvi exposed how the media exploits farmers’ struggles for ratings. Now, she’s back with The Great Shamsuddin Family, a witty and touching film that captures the joys and sorrows of minorities in India today.
Rizvi’s storytelling strikes a balance between humor and deeper issues. She lets viewers pick up on the subtle emotional stresses beneath the jokes, illustrating how a Muslim family navigates fear while trying to enjoy life. Through the character of Bani Shamsuddin—played by Kritika Kamra—we see the weight of her responsibilities and dreams. Bani is a divorced academic racing against time. She has just 12 hours to apply for a job that might take her to the United States, driven not just by ambition, but a longing for freedom and self-expression stifled in her home country.
This urgency sets the tone early on. The film opens with Bani in her cozy yet chaotic home, burdened by her distractions—her laptop, cold tea, and a growing deadline. Rizvi quickly draws us into Bani’s world, showing how her space shifts from a sanctuary to a hub for others’ crises. By creating this relatable environment, she captures our attention and empathy.
Bani’s life gets more complicated when family members arrive with their own baggage. Her cousin Iram, played by Shreya Dhanwanthary, storms in carrying a large sum of money from a troubled marriage, adding to the family drama. Each new character brings additional layers to Bani’s already full plate. For example, her colleague Amitav and his student Latika embody an educated class often oblivious to real societal issues, highlighting a disconnect that Rizvi skillfully portrays.
The layered tensions often reflect the present challenges facing many in the Muslim community in India. For instance, the dynamics shift significantly when Iram’s mother appears, introducing the looming threat of social scrutiny due to interfaith relationships. The film captures how these individual struggles echo broader societal concerns, including identity politics and gender roles.
Historically, the Muslim experience in India has been shaped by rapid changes, and Rizvi doesn’t shy away from the past. She uses the imagery of Humayun’s Tomb throughout the film, a symbol of a glorious history contrasted with current societal woes. This juxtaposition reminds viewers that while legacies endure, the everyday reality can feel precarious.
Bani feels the pressure of living in this uncertainty. At one point, she mentions her exhaustion from constantly monitoring her words and actions, a sentiment that resonates widely today. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, a significant number of Muslims in India report feeling marginalized, a context Rizvi deftly intertwines into the fabric of her film.
Rizvi’s unique portrayal avoids heavy-handed morals. Instead, she invites us to witness the everyday lives of her characters. Their struggles embody a broader narrative about survival itself serving as a form of resistance. The Great Shamsuddin Family is not only a family drama; it’s a profound commentary on contemporary society, urging viewers to reflect rather than react.
With sharp insights and clever storytelling, Rizvi manages to keep the film engaging without falling into melodrama. As we watch, we’re asked not to pity the characters but simply to see their lives as they are. This highlights how intricately identity, faith, class, and politics influence even the most mundane moments.
The Great Shamsuddin Family is now available for streaming on JioHotstar, inviting us to dive into a world where every small detail offers a glimpse into larger social dynamics.
