Palayan: A Story of Exodus is a 2011 film by director Purba Mazumdar that tells the story of a group of Indian farmers who are caught in a never-ending cycle of poverty, struggle, and exploitation. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Himalayas, the movie explores themes of social injustice, political corruption, and the true meaning of freedom.
The film follows the journey of Shankar (Sanjeev Bijlwan), a farmer who lives with his wife Chanda (Prabarna Ganguly) and their child in a small village in Uttar Pradesh. Despite working hard to make ends meet, the couple is unable to escape poverty, owing to the harsh reality of the poor. The local landlord, who owns most of the land in the area, takes advantage of farmers like Shankar, forcing them to work for him in exchange for meager wages, which barely help them survive.
But when a government-backed project to build a dam threatens to flood their village, it gives the farmers a glimmer of hope. They’re promised compensation for their lost land, which they can use to start anew. However, as they soon discover, the compensation offered falls far short of what they’d need to rebuild their lives. The farmers are left with no choice but to leave their homes, their lives, and their traditions behind.
The pilgrimage of the farmers is where the story of Palayan truly begins. They leave their village, hoping to find a new beginning in a new place, only to discover that they’re not alone in their misery. Shankar and his people, along with other displaced families, are seen as outcasts everywhere they go. They’re often treated with suspicion or outright hostility, forcing them to keep moving from one place to another.
Despite the many hardships they face, Shankar remains determined to provide for his family and create a life of dignity for himself and his people. He and Chanda work together, taking odd jobs wherever possible, and slowly building a sense of community among the displaced farmers. They begin to build new homes, creating a new life for themselves from scratch.
But the journey is far from over. As they move from one place to another, they begin to encounter new challenges, such as disease, hunger, and violence. At times, it seems as though they’ll never find the freedom they so desperately seek. But Shankar and Chanda refuse to give up. They continue to fight for a better life, and in doing so, they inspire others to join their cause.
Working with other activists, they begin to form a movement to fight for the rights of displaced farmers. They hold protests and rallies, highlighting the injustices being committed against them, and demanding that the government take action to protect the rights of the poor.
Palayan is a powerful, moving film that tackles universal themes of struggle, injustice, and the human spirit. It delivers a stirring message of hope and resilience, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to rise above our circumstances and create a better future for ourselves and those around us.
Overall, Palayan is a must-watch for anyone who’s ever struggled against the odds, fought for their rights, or hoped against hope for a better tomorrow. It’s a film that speaks to the heart and soul of the human experience, offering a timeless message of hope and courage that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Palayan: A Story of Exodus is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 32 minutes.
