Purdah is a captivating documentary film directed by Jeremy Guy, released in 2018. This film is about the intriguing and inspirational life of Kaikasha Mirza, a young Muslim girl from a small village in India who pursues her dream of becoming a professional squash player despite facing opposition from her family and community. The film offers a look into the traditional Indian culture, where women are expected to stay at home and are not allowed to have a public profile. Kaikasha's family is conservative, and they believe that it is not suitable for a young girl to be playing a sport that involves wearing shorts and moving around freely with men around. However, Kaikasha's passion for the sport is unbreakable, and she continues to persevere through some of the most significant challenges in her life.
The title of the movie, Purdah, refers to the traditional practice in some parts of the Muslim world of screening women from men. However, in this film, the title refers to the personal barriers Kaikasha faces in her quest for success.
The camera follows Kaikasha and her sister Saba, who also plays squash and is a vital character in the story. We see Kaikasha's journey, from her humble beginnings in her family home to her training with a professional coach in Mumbai, where she competes in the Indian National Championships, and to the United States, where she gets a scholarship to attend college and train under prestigious coaches.
Throughout the film, Kaikasha faces several obstacles, including her father's ill health, her family's lack of financial resources, and a lack of opportunities as a Muslim woman in India. However, nothing seems to dampen her spirit, and she continues to pursue her dreams tirelessly.
Purdah captures the essence of Kaikasha and Saba's endearing relationship. Saba, the younger sister, is a constant source of support, encouragement, and motivation for Kaikasha, and the duo's chemistry is palpable. Saba also aspires to be a professional squash player but has to drop out of professional training due to financial constraints. The film cleverly weaves in a backstory of the relationship between the sisters' mother and father, and the family's current financial predicament.
The film also provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by women in conservative Muslim societies, where traditional gender roles are emphasized, and opportunities for women are limited, especially in sports. Furthermore, the film highlights the importance of family support and the power of determination and resilience in overcoming adversity.
The documentary's cinematography is stunning, and the music is beautifully composed, adding to the film's overall emotional impact. The viewer can sense the tension and pressure that Kaikasha faces when she has to play against more experienced and skilled players, reflecting the intensity of the squash game.
In conclusion, Purdah is a poignant and empowering story that is both moving and inspiring. The film highlights the challenges of chasing one's dreams, especially for women from conservative backgrounds. The documentary provides an insight into a part of the world and culture that is relatively unknown to many and celebrates the resilience, determination, and love of two young women who aspire to become pioneers in their sport. Kaikasha and Saba Mirza are trailblazers in their community, fighting for their right to be seen and heard, and proving that traditional gender roles can be challenged and transcended, inspiring generations to come.
Purdah is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.
