‘Sampurna’: Marriage does not equal consent
In a part of the world where women are told that marriages should be the centre of their lives, the web-series "Sampurna" offers a distinct take on the topic. The series, directed by Sayantan Ghoshal, is available on the Hoichoi app and website.
Casting Sohini Sarkar and Rajnandini Paul in the lead roles, "Sampurna" portrays the prevalence of marital rape in our society, the impact it has on women and how they should cast aside any shame or fear when fighting against it.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Popular culture, fortunately, has shown women's defiance against physical abuse time and again. But there has always been a deafening silence in regards to the sexual oppression that women face in their own homes. With strong dialogues, a compelling storyline and beautiful use of metaphors, "Sampurna" casts a light on just that. One of the key messages of the series is that 'If the law is truly blind, then it should not care if the rapist is the victim's husband'.
The series does a great job with its background score, which has a deliberate and grim tone, sometimes feelings as if it is overdone. The stellar performances of the actors, however, compensates for any inadequacy in terms of editing and cinematography.
The story begins with the marriage of Nandini (Rajnandini Paul) and Raktim (Anubhav Kanjilal), who happens to be the brother-in-law of Sampurna (Sohini Sarkar). Soon after the marriage, Nandini grows extremely distressed in her new household, constantly acting frantic and anxious in the proximity of her husband. Eventually, she opens up about the issue to Sampurna, and shares how she is being abused.
Sampurna is shocked to find out this side of Raktim and decides to stand up for Nandini. The series avoids any melodrama much common in similar shows, and instead focuses on the nuanced reactions in such sensitive scenarios.
The nuances of women getting stuck in a loop of abusive relationships is delicately presented in the series. The legal complications surrounding the absence of a law against marital rape, alongside the complexities of using domestic violence laws are showcased properly, engaging the viewers in the difficult legal and social fight women have to face.
In Raktim, we find the portrayal of a typical man of the subcontinent, who while being perfectly docile in front of everyone, turns monstrous in private. His disregard for asking consent, and refusal to listen properly highlights the type of upbringing children on this side of the world receive. Throughout the series, the audience is left disgusted by Raktim's character, but never surprised.
This is due to the perfect narration and a convincing build-up of the characters—which has been key to the show's success. The reaction of Raktim's mother, Aloka (Laboni Sarkar), is a perfect example of how parents cover up for the misdeeds of their children, particularly that of the male child. Her superstitions, along with her doubts about Nandini's past and mental wellbeing, hint at why men in our society get a free-pass to abuse their wives, even in front of their families.
The web-series stand out in narrating the tales of women from all walks of society. When the domestic worker narrates her experiences of being abused, and the law's inability to stop it, viewers are compelled to pause for a moment and ponder over the silence that women are collectively forced into.
By the last episode, we are met with questions central to a woman's identity in the subcontinent. Should a woman tolerate everything in the name of safeguarding a marriage? Does nothing else matter, when the consequence is being labelled as a divorcee? What can one do if they end up in an abusive marriage?
"Sampurna" is able to ask these questions. By the final episode, the show does a fantastic job of reminding us that tolerating abuse does not put an end to it, rather, it encourages the abuser to go to even greater lengths. It reminds us that women can live far happier lives, if they can break free from abusive relationships.
Finally, the show reminds us that even the people closest to us can be monsters, and that no matter what, marriage never equals consent.
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