The Last Color: A taste of Hope and Freedom

In his directorial debut, celebrity chef Vikas Khanna creates a beautiful movie whilst questioning the societal norms through a unique bond

Quick Synopsis: Adapted by Vikas Khanna's book of the same name, The Last Color revolves around a young homeless tightrope walker and a widow, Noor. Both are ostracised by society due to their status, both cross paths and find a common ground i.e. a deep yearning to play Holi.

The movie opens with Noor Saxena a supreme court advocate reminiscing her childhood, 24 years ago Noor who then went by the name of Choti (Aqsa Siddiqui) roamed around the banks of river Ganga to earn money in order to study. She and her friend Chintu both resolved to put on a spectacle out of tightrope walking, Chintu collects the money while Choti fearlessly walks the tightrope with a stick in her hand to stay balanced.

Choti's character is a strong, fearless girl who isn't shy and won't hold back if she witnesses injustice. But just like any other kid her age, she is curious and doesn't understand certain norms that have been imposed in society. As she fends for herself in this harsh world where she is surrounded by evil men and is always degraded in the eyes of the world and is called an 'untouchable', she finds comfort in a widow Noor. Noor (Neena Gupta) is a middle-aged woman who spends most of her days at the banks chanting her prayers with rosary beads in her hands. Unlike Choti, Noor is the complete opposite. Instead of standing up for herself, she spends her days in silence and abides by the norms. Vikas portrayed how Choti and Noor are two different individuals but they both are subjected to the same predicament, both are repudiated from the society.

The idea of a widow living life in plain solitude is unsettling. A tradition that is being followed for ages, is to dawn a woman in white the moment her partner passes away. Why must women suffer and live a life sans experiencing the changes in the world as opposed to a male widower? Why is she considered a bane? Why can't they be involved in society and participate in daily activities instead of being treated as a curse and asked to stay away at all times?

Even though it is the directorial debut of Vikas Khanna, he comes out with a strong social issue. There are many sub-themes in the movie as well which together incorporate the movie. Anarkali (Rudrani Chhetri), a trans woman who forms an unlikely friendship with Choti and creates a soft spot for her, to a point where she sacrifices herself to protect her. Anarkali's plight was a true representation of how trans women are treated in society, as mere objects of desire. With little to no respect for their identities, through Anarkali, Khanna also tried to portray abuse of power. Anarkali who is considered to be an outcast is subjected to repetitive abuse by the local police officer Raja. Raja is the stereotypical misogynist who considers himself as the superior being, according to him, a family is complete if you have a son. He repeatedly abused his wife, physically and mentally.

One important theme that Khanna tried to highlight in his movie is women and their hardships. How all these women had their sets of difficulties that they had to face. Choti with her needs to survive the hunger, predatory men, and the will to uplift herself from her labeled status in the society. Anarkali and her plight to feel like a human being and feel accepted and not be abused for her identity. Noor wants to feel free and not be burdened with her widow status. She yearns to be free and be set off from the leashes that society has on her. Raja's wife, who wants to escape her husband and give a better life to her daughters, where they can attain the education they have the right to.

A movie made with immense compassion, Vikas Khanna's debut beautifully jots down the stories of these characters in the most trying phase of their life and their innocent human desires. A yet another beautiful recipe of freedom and hope. With amazing performances by Neena Gupta, Aqsa Siddiqui, Rudrani Chhetri, and Rajeshwar Khanna the movie is a definite stream for a heart-warming night.

You can stream the movie on Amazon Prime

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