‘To Kill a Tiger’ Netflix Review - Courage in the Face of Darkness

"To Kill a Tiger" is a raw and unflinching portrayal of a father's relentless pursuit of justice in the face of insurmountable odds. Directed by the visionary Nisha Pahuja, this documentary transcends mere storytelling to become a rallying cry for societal change. Set against the backdrop of rural India, the film thrusts viewers into the heart of a community grappling with the aftermath of a brutal gang rape, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths about justice, honor, and the resilience of the human spirit.

At its core, "To Kill a Tiger" is a testament to the power of storytelling. Pahuja weaves together a tapestry of emotion, injustice, and unwavering determination, drawing viewers into the world of Ranjit, a farmer whose life is irrevocably shattered when his daughter Kiran becomes the victim of a heinous crime. Through Pahuja's lens, we witness Ranjit's agonizing journey as he navigates the labyrinthine complexities of India's legal system, confronting societal attitudes that seek to silence and shame his family into submission.

Central to the film's narrative is the theme of courage and resilience. Despite facing relentless pressure to abandon his quest for justice, Ranjit remains steadfast in his determination to seek redress for his daughter's suffering. His unwavering resolve is mirrored in Kiran's own defiance, as she refuses to be defined by the horrors inflicted upon her. Together, father and daughter emerge as beacons of hope in a society plagued by darkness, their bond serving as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love in the face of adversity.

But "To Kill a Tiger" is more than just a story of individual heroism; it is a clarion call for social change. By shining a light on the cultural norms and systemic injustices that perpetuate sexual violence in rural India, the film challenges viewers to confront their own complicity in perpetuating cycles of oppression. Through intimate interviews and unfiltered footage, Pahuja exposes the deep-seated misogyny and victim-blaming attitudes that continue to pervade Indian society, forcing us to reckon with the uncomfortable truth that true change can only come from within.

Of course, no film is without its detractors, and "To Kill a Tiger" is no exception. Some members of the community have criticized the documentary for its portrayal of traditional customs, arguing that it fails to adequately represent the nuances of their cultural heritage. While these voices are valid, they ultimately serve to underscore the film's central thesis: that true progress requires challenging the status quo, even in the face of staunch opposition.

Similarly, while "To Kill a Tiger" excels in highlighting the individual struggles of Ranjit and Kiran, it falls short in offering concrete solutions to address the broader societal issues at play. Indeed, the film's greatest strength—its unflinching honesty—also serves as its greatest weakness, leaving viewers grappling with uncomfortable questions and uncertain answers.

In the end, "To Kill a Tiger" is a triumph of the human spirit, a testament to the power of hope, and a reminder that change is possible, even in the darkest of times. As the film makes its debut on Netflix and vies for recognition at the Oscars, it is my sincere hope that audiences around the world will heed its call to action, standing in solidarity with those who refuse to be silenced in the face of injustice. For in the words of Ranjit himself, "The true measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members"—and by that measure, "To Kill a Tiger" is nothing short of essential viewing.

Final Score - [9.5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times