Fire

Set in Delhi, India, Fire is a groundbreaking Indian drama film directed by Deepa Mehta. It follows the lives of two sisters-in-law, Radha (Shabana Azmi) and Sita (Jaya Bachchan), who are trapped in loveless marriages and find solace and companionship in each other. The film explores themes of female sexuality, societal expectations, and the search for personal fulfillment.

Radha, married to Ashok (Javed Akhtar), is a housewife who feels neglected and unloved by her husband. Sita, married to Ashok's younger brother, Jatin (Ronit Roy), is a traditional wife who is content with her domestic role. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when they discover a mutual attraction and begin a secret affair.

Their newfound love provides them with an escape from their oppressive marriages, but it also challenges their understanding of themselves and their place in society. As their relationship deepens, they face societal disapproval and judgment, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of their situation.

Fire is a powerful and poignant film that sparked controversy upon its release due to its exploration of taboo subjects. It was praised for its honest and sensitive portrayal of female desire and its challenging of traditional gender roles. The film has been credited with breaking new ground in Indian cinema and paving the way for more open and honest discussions about female sexuality.

• Release date: November 5, 1998
• Produced by: Trial by Fire Films Inc., Kaleidoscope Entertainment
  
• Genres: Drama, Romance
  
• Director: Deepa Mehta
  
• Stars: Shabana Azmi, Nandita Das, Karishma Jhalani
  
• IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
  
• Watch here: https://mubi.com/en/vn/films/fire