Bandit Queen, based on the true story of controversial female warrior Phoolan Devi, is encapsulated by a quote shown on-screen at the start of the film: “Animals, drums, illiterates, low castes and women are worthy of being beaten.” Devi (Sunita Bhatt), born into a poor, low-caste family, is sold into marriage at the age of 11 to a man three times her age, in exchange for a lean cow and a rusty bicycle. She is forced to submit to her husbands every sexual desire. He also beats her on a regular basis.

Eventually, Phoolan leaves her husband and returns home. Though she is allowed to stay at home, the now older Devi (Seema Biswas) finds herself mistreated by men at every turn—corrupt police officials, insatiable bandits, and upper-caste Thakurs. Eventually, Phoolan finds herself befriended by Vikram Mallah (Nirmal Pandey), an outlaw who shows her real respect for the first time in her life. He invites her to be a co-leader of his gang. Their relationship evolves into love, and the gangs activities of robbing the rich and sharing the spoils with their fellow low-caste citizens turns them into heroes among the poor.

Their run as Robin Hood types is short-lived. When SriRam (Govind Namdeo), the one-time leader of their gang is released from jail, and determined to reassert his power. In collusion with the caste, he sets about planning Mallah and Devi’s downfall. SriRam is killed in a coordinated attack, while Devi is abducted, brutally gang-raped by Thakurs and paraded naked through a village. Battered and bruised, Devi lives with a cousin where she decides to take up banditry. Teaming up with Man Singh (Manoj Bajpai), she forms a gang and returns to the village to gun down more than twenty Thakur men involved in her gang rape, referred to as The Behmai massacre. The authorities are unable to capture Devi, and she remains on the loose until 1983, when a deal with the Indian government brings about her surrender.

The human indignity and suffering portrayed in Bandit Queen is heart wrenching. The upper caste Indians regard those born into poverty as little more than animals. When you consider some of the indignities that Devi experienced, sometimes repeatedly, it’s conceivable that death would have felt like a quicker and more merciful option. Each atrocity hardens her heart, and when revenge comes, it’s swift and unforgiving.

Powerfully written, tightly paced, and well-acted, Bandit Queen is a strong adventure film. Actions and events are allowed to define the social climate. Seema Biswas’ portrayal of Devi makes her remarkably real. The rage she feels at the men who have violated her is palpable. Bandit Queen is not for the squeamish, or for those that don’t like movies that challenge them. It’s clear almost from the start, that director Shekhar Kapur wants us to be uncomfortable, to reconsider any preconceived notions we may have had.

Banned in India—more for political reasons than its graphic depiction of rape—Bandit Queen provides an uncompromising view into the social horrors of the country’s rigidly patriarchal system, and one woman who dared push back against it.

Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, Twilight Time’s 1080p transfer is a solid one. With the exception of a couple of digital issues, the image is sharp and colors vibrant. Contrast is also impressive throughout.

The Hindi 2.0 DTS-HD MA soundtrack handles the film well, presenting dialogue with a fine level of clarity. Depth is limited, but that is to be expected here. The score by Nusrat Fater, Ali Khan and Roger White comes through nicely.

English subtitles are included.

The following extras are available.

  • Audio Commentary with Director Shekhar Kapur: Though he has a rather dry delivery style, Kapur recounts the filming process, and working with the members of the cast.
  • Isolated Score Track: Presented in 2.0 DTS-HD MA.
  • Six-Page Booklet: Contains some color stills from the production, original poster art on the back cover, and film historian Julie Kirgo’s essay on the film.

 

There are only 3,000 copies of this Blu-ray available. Those interested should go to www.screenarchives.com to see if product is still in stock. Information about the movie can also be found via Facebook at www.facebook.com/twilighttimemovies.