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Plot
In the heart of Maharashtra, India, the pulse of a small town beats within an unconventional dwelling - a flourishing bordello run by the aging Rukminibai. Her world shatters when the news of a new landlord, Mr. Gupta, arrives, along with the impending marriage of his innocent daughter, Malti. The town's moral compass, embodied in City Councillor Shantidevi, points towards the relocation of this brothel, driven by the desire to seize its prime real estate.
Coerced to move her women to the outskirts of the town, Rukminibai finds their new home near the sacred Dargah of Baba Karak Shah. This twist of fate ironically draws in a multitude of patrons, rejuvenating Rukminibai's bordello amidst its desolate surroundings.
However, tranquility is short-lived when Sushil, the landlord's son, rebels against his arranged marriage to the naive Malti. His heart yearns for Zeenat, a captivating prostitute residing with Rukminibai. As Sushil's infatuation threatens to reveal the bordello's new location, the plot thickens, weaving a tale of unrequited love against the backdrop of the bordello's uncertain fate.
"Mandi" is a timeless classic adapted from the Urdu short story 'Aanandi' by Ghulam Abbas. It explores the intricate dance between morality and desire, underscoring the harsh reality that men will indeed be men. This compelling narrative traces the trials and tribulations of a brothel that was forced to move once and might yet be uprooted again, unless love takes an unexpected turn. This film serves as a vibrant tapestry of love, politics, and survival, inviting viewers to ponder the age-old adage: location is everything.
Where to watch Mandi?
Mandi is a comedy movie featuring Shabana Azmi and directed by Shyam Benegal.
Mandi is currently streaming on MUBI.