May. 24, 2012|India|126 Min.|n/A
Genre: Bangla;Drama
Description: “Chitrangada: The Crowning Wish,” a 2012 film directed by the late Rituparno Ghosh, delves deeply into the profound existential struggles and anxieties of transgender individuals within a predominantly cisgender society. The film highlights the cultural and societal pressures that demand rigid classifications, labeling people as normal or deviant, acceptable or unacceptable, and the resulting marginalization of those who do not fit into these binaries.
At its core, the film explores the identity crisis faced by its protagonist, Rudra Chatterjee, who does not align with traditional cisgender norms. The narrative questions the very constructs of gender by examining what it means to be “a woman trapped in a man’s body” when both gender categories are, ultimately, societal constructs.
Rudra’s journey is marked by emotional pain and marginalization, though his upper-middle-class background provides him with certain privileges. While his parents struggle to accept his gender identity, his socioeconomic status shields him from the extreme social ostracism that many transgender individuals face. Additionally, his profession as a choreographer grants him cultural influence, further mitigating some of the challenges he encounters.
Through its nuanced storytelling, “Chitrangada: The Crowning Wish” invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of gender identity and the societal structures that perpetuate inequality and discrimination.
Cast director: Rituparno Ghosh
Cast actor: Rituparno Ghosh, Anjan Dutt, Kaushik Banerjee, Dipankar Dey, Jisshu Sengupta, Raima Sen, Sanjoy Nag, Aparajita Adhya, Koushik Ghosh
Original name: Chitrangada: The Crowning Wish