Acid-punk, bollywood, and women’s empowerment: a conversation about The Pink Sorrys
When I first found out about the film, The Pink Sorrys, I read up on their recent kickstarter campaign and got really excited about all the things they promised for the film: “an acid punk Bollywood musical about a group of women taking hyper-violent vigilante justice against rapists in India.” As far as blood-and-gore movies go, it was neat to see a film in the blood-and-gore type genre that was produced by and starring brown women as heroes rather than victims— also the idea that an “acid punk Bollywood musical” even existed was exhilarating enough! (and, if it existed, why haven’t I seen it yet?!)
Watching the sneak peak last week, this project really did deliver what it promised. The story begins with a woman being taken and raped by a group of men during a dance struggle. It then cuts to the group of men hanging out and chatting about social media and the validity of food porn. When the men realize the victim is still alive, without addressing it directly, one of them strangles her already weak and ragged body. Soon after, the Pink Sorrys—a gang of women who seek vigilante justice against rapists—come to reap revenge on the rapists and what ensues over the course of an epic dance battle will leave you both shocked and satisfied that justice was fittingly served.
The movie’s Bollywood-pulp cinematography, modern dialogue about Instagram, Bollywood choreography/numbers, and, my favorite, a violent cricket bat with the words “This machine kills rapists” that is used to execute justice on the rapists in the story, all lend itself to a movie that effectively melds the aesthetics of the Golden Age of Bollywood with a story that could only be told today.
Promotional poster for The Pink Sorrys alongside a still from the 60s classic Gumnaam, which shares many aesthetics.
Zehra Fazal and her character’s glorious cricket bat; reads: “This machine kills rapists.” Photo credit: The Pink Sorrys
Though the films narrative is an urban tale with fictional over-the-top violence, the title and pink saris are a reference paying homage to The Gulabi Gang in India (Right), whose DIY convictions towards women’s rights provided inspiration for the film. The community focused Gulabi Gang is made up of grassroots vigilante activists bringing justice to women in the poorest often rural areas of India.** Photo credit: The Pink Sorrys (L), Gulabi Gang (R)
I watched the film in an intimate studio space and was attended by the cast, crew, close friends, and cocktails where guests received themed goodies including marble magnets from old Indian movies and Indian sweets. Afterwards, Tülips —a “female fronted DIY noise-pop riotgaze” band from LA who did the amazing soundtrack to the film performed a few of their songs about rape and police brutality while donning clothes from the movie.
Browntourage got to have some webcam-facetime-girltime-director’s-cut-bonus-edition style livingroom conversation with Director Anam Saeed and lead vocalist Taleen Kali of TÜLIPS about women in film, sexual violence, and creative motivation for social causes. Peep the video and scroll down for photos from the event!
The writing and directing team Anam Syed, Ben Stoddard, and Julie Bersani, the producer.
Cast Members: Trusha Jani, Abhay Ahluwalia, Sachin Bhatt, Zehra Fazal, Nardeep Khurmi, and Anna Khaja
Tulips performing at the afterparty in clothes from the movie.
Goodies for guests. Magnets and indian sweets in an appropriate blood red.
-> Watch the Pink Sorrys Teaser Trailer!
**If you’d like to learn about how India’s own The Gulabi Gang takes matters into their own hands, visit their website, watch their documentary, or read their members’ Vice interviews and if you’re feeling extra generous- donate!
Jasmine Roashan – #culturalmovements #sociopoliticalmovements #womynofcolor #riotgrrrl #representationofgirlsinmedia #zines #publichealth #waterquality @youngmoneyjazzmoney