Understanding use of Metaphor & Narrative styles in Movies : Through the lens of Movie "Dor"

Objective: To understand the metaphor and narrative styles of Bollywood movie: “Dor”

Introduction:

Dor is one of the most poignant films in the parallel cinema. With different layers of emotions, guilt, redemption and liberation, the film tells the tale about two women who come from different backgrounds and how fate brings them together. One is bound by traditions other by her circumstances and how together they achieve freedom, makes the narrative of the film. Dor is etched into the minds of the viewers as a beautiful culmination of visual metaphors weaved together in a heart-warming narrative.

Discussion:

Narration Style:

The movie beautifully begins with the stories of two very different women,Zeenat(Gul Panag) and Meera  (Ayesha Takia), yet they end up being very close to each other in the end.One is a strong headed woman who is independent, and is sure of her life. She de

fies family pressures and marries the man she loves. On the other hand Meera is a woman who is living in a far away place from Zeenat, not just in distance but also in thoughts and independence. She stays with her in-laws and is answerable to them not just in what she wears or does but also when she can speak to her husband. Both their spouses leave home to Saudi Arabia to explore different horizons and earn money.

The movie from the very beginning starts with very contrasting lives of the two women, their families, their fears,hopes and desires. While Zeenat speaks to her husband continuously over the phone,Meera hides from her in-laws and goes to a separate village to just make a call to her husband. Speaking over the telephone infront of other men for Meera is also a taboo. She is seen telling her husband that every month when she speaks to him, she feels liberated. She calls it “Azaadi ki Awaaz”.For Meera, the most liberating part is when her husband says her name. It is enough for her to survive one more month without him.The fairytale ends when Zeenat’s husband is accused of killing Meera’s husband.

The narration for the plot changes dramatically yet in a subtle manner. From two poles apart, the movie moves towards a search journey for Zeenat. The situation is as tricky as it gets. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions for Meera as well as Zeenat. The most difficult situation is crafted for both of them. On one side Meera has lost her husband while on the other side Zeenat has decided to convince Meera to sign papers which pardon her husband’s sentence in Saudi Arabia.

It is observed that the music played behind in the most critical of scenes adds volumes to it. The popular “kesariya balam” played in the background to donate Rajashthan’s culture as well as a symbol for Meera, while a soft music is played when Zeenat is on screen. This is an effective way to distinguish both the cultures. The colors and hues play an integral part as well. When Meera loses her husband, often vast masses of sand dunes, the black clothes and dust are shown. This symbolizes the emptiness she feels after her husband dies. She is nothing without him not only because of her love for him but also how she has lost her independence. For her, he was a source of freedom. She is seen dancing to Bollywood songs with utmost happiness when her beloved is around. But all comes shattering down, be it the societal pressure or her inner voice not being able to speak up. She has been brought up in a culture which has only suppressed her and her only source of freedom is no more. While Zeenat is the complete opposite of the same. She is more empowered and in charge once she knows her responsibility to free her husband is on her shoulders. She is ready to go all out to save her husband, even if it means finding a stranger woman in the city of Rajasthan without any address or name to her.

In many ways, the narration at many times is rather poetic. When Zeenat asks Meera if she misses her husband,Shankar a lot ,the response is that “ Itna ki dil mai nhi samaati” The references used are rather flowery and poetic which don’t seem forced and in fact sit well into the context as well.

As the story progresses, Zeenat and Meera reach a point wherein both are closest of friends. Zeenat had taught Meera to live life on her own terms and even a small thing like stepping outside to eat your favourite rasgullas is enough for Meera to feel liberated.

One of the most important songs in the movie is “Ye Honsla”. The key lyrics of the song are:

The song is a symbol of motivation for both Zeenat and Meera. It symbolizes how each of their lives have become difficult and the way ahead is extremely tough. Nevertheless it highlights the spirit and vigour with which these two women take the worst of situations with great bravery and level headedness.

The movie finally ends with Meera signing Zeenat’s papers to free her husband from jail. Meera being always the suppressed finally steps up and goes against her family’s wishes and the baggage she carries to help her friend.

Eventually she joins Zeenat on board and leaves her suffocating life in Rajasthan to finally be free and live her life. She forgives Zeenat’s husband as she is the one who finally freed Meera from her inhibitions and cruel in-laws. Finally breaking all chains Meera joins Zeenat to start a new life.

Metaphorical references:

The entire movie is a metaphor.  The literal reference to the word “Dor” comes up when Meera ties a red thread everyday in the temple for her husband. It symbolizes a way of expressing her love and to finally gain peace in life. But the word “Dor” has many other metaphorical references as well. There are multiple ways in which the word comes up be it in a literal sense or metaphorical sense.

When Zeenat holds out her hand to Meera to join her in the train, she not only invites her onboard but actually it’s a lovely reference to how she is finally inviting Meera to leave her old life and to start afresh.

As the name suggests, “Dor” symbolizes the connection between two women from very different worlds. Only a “Dor” connects these two women and this “Dor” is a significance to the relationship and friendship which they finally develop. Be it the “Dor” to their husbands or the only “Dor” for Zeenat to find Meera, the name of the movie has multiple meanings. This “Dor” finally yields Meera to sign Zeenat’s documents. Their friendship has blossomed and grown which eventually leads to an undying affection for each other.  The movie ends beautifully when Meera finds her “Azadi ki Dor”.

Analysis and Conclusion:

The narration style of the movie is a beautiful amalgamation of subtle,smooth yet a strong message with a purpose. The movie unfolds in a way that it doesn’t seem forced or abrupt. From two women with contrasting stories to finally being connected by a “Dor”, the movie is a masterpiece in its own way. There are no out of box situations but the emotions flow like river from each of the actors. The storytelling style and the raw emotions of Zeenat and Meera leave you hooked hanging for more. The movie was released at a time which may not connect with a lot of the audience, but be it 2006 or as of now in 2017, the movie is still relatable and significant in many ways.

There are beautiful metaphorical references in the movie which make sense and add value. Be it, the two women being connected to each other through a single reason or Zeenat finally helping Meera find her “Azai ki Dor” in the end by taking her to a new life. The nomenclature of the movie is perfect and has a significant meaning till the very end of the movie.

It is no surprise that you as a viewer also,are holding that “Dor” in your heart till the very end.