MIRCH MASALA

In colonial India, tax collectors went from village to village with soldiers, often demanding way more than taxes. When one such tax collector sets his eyes the on the fierce Sonbai, she takes refuge in a pepper factor, eventually leading to the oppressed women of the village finally speaking up.

This path-breaking film by Ketan Mehta uncovers the ugly realities of an oppressive patriarchal society. Set in colonial India, Mirch Masala remains relevant to this day because of its core idea of solidarity, where women rise up to support each other due to their shared experiences of trauma.