ABOUT THE PROJECT
LOGLINE
What do you get when you combine Gandhi, Che Guevara, Al Capone and a 5’3” illiterate woman fighting for justice? Phoolan Devi. This is her story.
SYNOPSIS
Phoolan Devi, born into a poor, low-caste family in an obscure village, endured immense injustice and violence, including repeated rape. Despite these seemingly insurmountable challenges, she transformed herself into the “Bandit Queen,” a female Robin Hood-like figure in India. Phoolan’s leadership of a gang of dacoits led to a notorious act of vengeance in Behmai, where 21 high-caste men were killed, sparking one of India’s largest manhunts. Despite the efforts of the Indian Army and Air Force, she evaded capture for four years, during which she robbed rich villagers to aid the poor, avenged abuses against low-caste women, and challenged the oppressive caste system.
Phoolan’s surrender, to protect her parents from police torture, was met with massive support from peasants. After spending 11 years in prison, she renounced violence, entered politics, and won a landslide victory, becoming the first low-caste woman elected to the Indian parliament. As a politician, she championed women’s rights until her assassination in 2001. Though a high-caste man confessed to her murder as revenge for the Behmai massacre, many suspect political rivals were behind it.
Phoolan Devi’s life remains legendary, evoking strong emotions even today. She is seen variously as a misunderstood rebel, a ruthless avenger, a champion of the poor, or a vengeful goddess. Her story, steeped in the struggles against poverty, gender, and caste injustice, raises universal questions about women’s rights, violence, and social justice, resonating far beyond India.
The film about her will feature interviews with those who knew her, survivors of the Behmai massacre, archival footage, and dramatic reenactments. Insights from Indian human rights activists like Dr.Ranjana Kumari and Usha Vishwakarma will provide context, highlighting the ongoing relevance of Phoolan’s fight for women’s rights and social justice in today’s world.
PROJECT TYPE Documentary Feature
DIRECTOR Hossein Martin Fazeli
PRODUCER Beth Fraikorn, Hossein Martin Fazeli, Jack Silberman
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Jamil Kharrazi
WEBSITE phoolandevimovie.com/
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