Myth, Mystery in Sujoy Ghosh’s Ahalya, writes Shanku Sharma

//Shanku Sharma//

In 2015, Sujoy Ghosh, best known for his taut thrillers like Kahaani, ventured into short films with Ahalya, a 14-minute gem that captivated audiences with its blend of mythology, mystery, and modern-day relevance. The film, starring Soumitra Chatterjee, Radhika Apte, and Tota Roy Chowdhury, reimagines a classic tale from the Mahabharata, giving it a contemporary twist that leaves viewers both spellbound and disturbed.

The original tale of Ahalya is one of the more controversial episodes in Hindu mythology. Ahalya, the wife of the sage Gautama, is considered one of the panchakanya (five virgins) whose names dispel sin when uttered. However, her story is steeped in themes of seduction, deceit, and punishment. According to legend, Ahalya is seduced by Indra, the king of gods, who disguises himself as her husband. When Gautama discovers the deception, he curses Ahalya to turn into stone, only to be redeemed later by the touch of Lord Rama.

Ghosh’s Ahalya subverts the traditional narrative, setting the story in a contemporary urban setting while retaining the essential elements of the myth. The short film opens with a police officer, Indra Sen (Tota Roy Chowdhury), arriving at the home of a renowned artist, Goutam Sadhu (Soumitra Chatterjee), to investigate the disappearance of a young man. The moment Indra steps into the house, he becomes ensnared in a world of mystery, where nothing is as it seems.

Radhika Apte plays the titular character, Ahalya, who, unlike her mythological counterpart, is far from a passive victim. Ghosh portrays her as a seductress, fully aware of her allure and the power she wields. Her interactions with Indra are charged with sexual tension, blurring the lines between predator and prey.

In Ghosh’s retelling, Ahalya is not a mere victim of circumstance but a master of it. The film suggests that she is complicit in the seduction of Indra, leading him into a trap from which there is no escape. The house, filled with lifelike dolls, adds to the eerie atmosphere, hinting at a deeper, more sinister truth.

The theme of power dynamics is central to Ahalya. While the original myth paints Ahalya as a victim of Indra’s lust and Gautama’s wrath, Ghosh’s film turns the tables. Here, it is Indra who falls victim to his own desires, manipulated by Ahalya and Goutam in a game of seduction and retribution. The short film challenges the viewer’s perception of morality, questioning who the true villain is and whether Ahalya’s actions are justified.

The climax of Ahalya is as shocking as it is thought-provoking. The revelation that Indra has been transformed into one of the lifelike dolls in Goutam’s collection is a masterstroke, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. This twist not only serves as a nod to the mythological curse but also reinforces the idea that actions have consequences, a theme deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy.

Ghosh’s Ahalya leaves the audience with more questions than answers. Is Ahalya a victim of her circumstances, or is she a vengeful seductress? Is Goutam the mastermind, or merely a facilitator of a higher cosmic justice? The film’s open-ended nature invites multiple interpretations, making it a subject of endless discussion and analysis.

Since its release, Ahalya has garnered widespread acclaim for its storytelling, performances, and direction. Soumitra Chatterjee’s portrayal of the enigmatic Goutam, Radhika Apte’s seductive yet inscrutable Ahalya, and Tota Roy Chowdhury’s portrayal of the hapless Indra have all been lauded by critics and audiences alike.

The short film has also sparked discussions about the representation of women in Indian cinema, particularly in the context of mythological retellings. Ghosh’s *Ahalya* is a significant departure from traditional narratives, offering a more empowered and complex portrayal of its female protagonist.

Sujoy Ghosh’s Ahalya.is more than just a retelling of an ancient myth; it is a commentary on power, desire, and the blurred boundaries between victim and villain. With its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and haunting atmosphere, Ahalya stands as a testament to the power of short films to tell complex stories in a concise format. It is a modern masterpiece that continues to captivate and challenge its audience, much like the mythological Ahalya herself.