The landscape of Indian politics has long been a battleground where power has predominantly rested in the hands of men. While there has been an increase in the number of women in political positions in the country, many of them are merely figureheads, with the actual decision-making power lying with their husbands. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as proxy politics. TVF’s new short film, ‘Phulera Ka Panchayati Raj – Asli Pradhan Kaun?’ sheds light on this very issue.
Released on March 4, just ahead of International Women’s Day, the 20-minute film brings back the actors from the famous Prime Video series ‘Panchayat’, including Neena Gupta, Faisal Malik, and Chandan Roy. The film delves into the topic of proxy politics, addressing the disparity between the number of women holding official positions in local governance and the actual power they wield. In one scene, Neena Gupta, who is in charge of the panchayat office, is not taken seriously, highlighting the harsh reality of rural areas.
The short film has been trending at number one on YouTube, with over 2.8 million views, and showcases the irony of women holding official positions in local governance while the actual power lies with their husbands. Many female sarpanches, despite being elected, often find themselves at the mercy of the men in their families. The film serves as a reminder that mere representation is not enough; true empowerment lies in enabling women to make independent decisions.
The Panchayati Raj ministry had created three episodes to raise awareness and promote women. TVF’s ‘Phulera Ka Panchayati Raj’ is a powerful short film that highlights the importance of women’s empowerment, especially on the eve of Women’s Day. The film’s thought-provoking narrative encourages viewers to reflect on the current state of women in politics and the need for true representation and empowerment.