Peyarar Subash tells the tale of forbidden love and explores sensitive themes such as domestic abuse and marital rape
Anika Chowdhury
Jaya Ahsan has done it again. The National Award-Winning actor – who has garnered immense popularity not only in Kolkata and Bangladesh but also in Bollywood – has again proved that she can ace any role with her new film Peyarar Subash (The Scent of Sin), which recently premiered on Chorki.
This 92-minute cinematic venture, directed by Nurul Alam Atique, tells the tale of forbidden love and explores sensitive themes such as domestic abuse, marital rape, and treads the murky waters of lust and power.
Peyarar Subash includes a stellar cast, including Tariq Anam Khan, Sushama Sarkar, Dihan, Noor Imran Mithu, and the late Ahmed Rubel, along with Jaya Ahsan and has been produced by Alpha-i Studios Ltd. and co-produced by Chorki.
At the heart of the narrative is Peyara (portrayed by Jaya Ahsan), whose life takes a tragic turn when her maternal uncle marries her off to the much older Aynal Munshi (played by Tariq Anam Khan) for money. Aynal Munshi, in a desperate attempt to assert his waning masculinity, subjects Peyara to daily marital rape, summarizing the horrors of a society that often turns a blind eye to the suffering of women in the confines of marriage. The depiction of Peyara’s ordeal is neither gratuitous nor sensationalized – instead, it’s presented with a stark realism that is both unsettling and thought-provoking.
Jaya Ahsan delivers a riveting performance as Peyara, embodying the character’s transition from despair to determination with a nuanced subtlety that is nothing short of brilliant. Her portrayal goes beyond the physical and emotional abuse Peyara endures, touching on the deeper themes of resistance and the search for self-worth.
Moreover, Ahsan’s portrayal of Peyara’s resilience in the face of adversity is above all inspiring. Even as she navigates the dark themes of marital rape and domestic abuse, Ahsan brings a dignity to Peyara that is empowering. Her performance does not merely evoke sympathy; it equally invokes admiration – highlighting the strength it takes to dream of love and freedom in the bleakest of circumstances.
Tariq Anam Khan, as Aynal Munshi, offers a chilling representation of patriarchal tyranny. Khan’s portrayal is layered, revealing the complexities of a character who is at once the perpetrator and product of societal norms that valorize masculine dominance at the expense of female autonomy. His interactions with Peyara are fraught with tension, highlighting the power dynamics at play and the psychological torment inflicted upon Peyara.
Tariq Anam Khan, as Aynal Munshi, offers a chilling representation of patriarchal tyranny
The inclusion of Ahmed Rubel as Hashem, the carpenter who becomes Peyara’s beacon of hope and an ally in her quest for revenge, introduces a narrative of redemption and the possibility of love amidst despair. Rubel’s performance is understated yet impactful, providing a stark contrast to the oppressive world Peyara seeks to escape. His fascination with pigeons, symbolic of freedom and the longing to soar beyond societal constraints, adds a poetic layer to the film’s rich tapestry of themes.
Ahmed Rubel’s character’s fascination with pigeons, symbolic of freedom, adds a poetic layer to the film
The film’s supporting cast, including Sushama Sarkar, Dihan, and Noor Imran Mithu, contribute significantly to the narrative’s depth, each character adding a unique perspective to the central themes of oppression, survival, and defiance. The ensemble’s collective performance is a demonstration of the director’s ability to weave individual stories into a cohesive, emotionally resonant whole.
Peyarar Subash has been filmed in Sirajganj and Pabna. The rural setting of the film, beautifully captured through the lens of the cinematographer, serves as both a character and a canvas, reflecting the beauty and brutality of the world Peyara inhabits.
With stellar performances, especially by Jaya Ahsan, and a compelling narrative, Nurul Alam Atique’s film is not just a cinematic experience but a powerful social commentary. It invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of human relationships, the societal structures that govern them, and the power of the human will to transcend and transform. In Peyarar Subash, the scent of sin is pervasive, but so is the fragrance of hope, love, and liberation, making it essential viewing for those who value cinema that not only entertains, but enlightens.
