Mirch Masala and Introduction to Smita Patil

Smita Patil’s most iconic role, portraying the struggles of women against patriarchal oppression in rural India during British colonial rule.

Ketan Mehta's Mirch Masala is set in India during British colonial rule. The film portrays the struggles of women in a small, traditional village, detailing the patriarchal oppression they face. The backdrop of the story focuses on a system of colonial officials, embodied by a tax collector (Naseeruddin Shah), and the resistance of local women, particularly around the spice factory where they work. Where resistance comes most forthright is in the iconic figure of Sonbai played by Smita Patil in what was arguably her most iconic role, imbuing the film with a memorable feminist and anti-colonial power. 

"It succeeds in embodying a powerful message through incredible storytelling and an attentive and varied portrayal of society. Mirch Masala is a must-watch story of heated retribution, spun in earthy, rustic colors, rooted in folklore, and hammered with melodrama." - Federica Giampaolo, Asian Movie Pulse