Hellaro Review: The colour of Rebellion
I recently watched Hellaro released in (2019),
and I can honestly say it’s one of the most powerful Gujarati movies I’ve
ever seen.
Before watching it, I had heard that it won the National
Film Award for Best Feature Film, and interestingly that made me very
curious to watch it. But after watching it, I truly understood why it received
such a huge honour.
The movie is set in a small village in Kutch during the 1970s.
In this village, women are not allowed to dance Garba. They are expected to
follow strict rules, stay silent, and live within boundaries decided by men.
Watching their daily lives felt heavy — it was genuinely something which you
can actually feel, their suffocation, their
suppressed emotions, and the quiet pain they carry within themselves.
Everything changes when these women meet a dhol player in
the desert. For the first time, they experience what freedom feels like through
Garba. The desert scenes are absolutely beautiful. The wide white landscape,
colourful ghagras, and the powerful sound of the dhol create such an emotional
atmosphere. When they dance, it doesn’t feel like entertainment — it feels like
rebellion. It feels like they are finally claiming their identity.
What touched me the most was how real the emotions felt. The
fear of being caught, the excitement of secret meetings, the bonding between
the women — it all felt very natural. There were moments when I felt angry at
the injustice, and moments when I felt proud watching them stand up for
themselves.
Why You Must Watch It
You must watch Hellaro because it is not just a movie — it
is an experience.
First, it shows women empowerment
in a very rooted and cultural way. It doesn’t give big speeches, but it makes a
strong impact through simple storytelling.
Second, it presents Garba in a completely different light.
We usually see Garba as celebration and fun, but here it becomes a symbol of
resistance and freedom.
Third, the cinematography is stunning. The desert visuals,
traditional costumes, and music make every frame look artistic and meaningful.
Lastly, it makes you think. Even after the movie ended, I
kept thinking about how many voices are still suppressed in society and how
important it is to speak up.
After watching Hellaro, I felt proud of Gujarati cinema. It
proved that regional films can tell powerful, meaningful, and globally
recognised stories.
If you are someone who loves meaningful cinema with strong
emotions and cultural depth, I truly recommend watching this film at least
once. It stays with you long after it ends.
Keywords: Rural Gujarat, Dhol player, Women empowerment, gender restrictions, suppressed voices, Social injustice, silent suffering, suffocation
Author: Gaurvi Mishra, Educational Writer
Email: gaurvimishra2004@gmail.com
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