Sweet magic. Review on Paheli

My daughter gave me this dvd as a Christmas present a couple of years ago, saying she had liked it so much she thought I would too, and she was right. It went away from the too traditional subservient woman not allowed to think for herself, and gave the woman a chance of happiness denied her by the arranged marriage to a cold insensitive businessman.

My heart was in my mouth near the end when it looked as if the loving spirit had died but I was sure love would win in the end. The cold businessman only thought of his new wife belatedly, and when he went back to claim her it was not because he loved her but because he owned her. This is a message to all men. Care for your wives and you will not lose them.

The magic was sweet and tender and the settings harmonious and mysterious. One felt so much for the poor girl dumped with a strange family and given a husband that thought no more of her than a new tube of toothpaste. The love was powerful and emotive, especially the scene on the bridge. It was also clever seeing Khan in two opposite roles at the same time, one callous and one caring.

The puppets were a little creepy, but they added atmosphere and mystery to this unusual tale. I believe that the theme of the husband yet not husband has been told in a French film copied into an American version, but the added spiritual nature of the Indian version adds that extra bit of enjoyment and emphasises that true love will win the day.

A must see film.