Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love - A Hindi Film Review and Analysis

Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love A Sensual and Controversial Hindi Film Starring Rekha

Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love is a 1996 Hindi film directed by Mira Nair and starring Rekha, Indira Varma, Naveen Andrews, and Sarita Choudhury. The film is based on an ancient Indian text on sexuality, eroticism, and emotional fulfillment in life. The film tells the story of two childhood friends, Tara and Maya, who grow up to be rivals in love for the same man, Raj Singh, a king in 16th century India. The film explores the themes of desire, pleasure, spirituality, betrayal, jealousy, revenge, and redemption through the lives of these three characters.

hindi film kamasutra rekha full movie

The film was released in India on June 26, 1996, after facing several censorship issues. The film was also released internationally to critical acclaim and commercial success. The film was praised for its bold and artistic depiction of sexuality, its stunning cinematography and music, its authentic costumes and sets, and its powerful performances by the lead actors. The film was also criticized for its controversial portrayal of Indian culture, history, religion, and women. The film sparked debates on issues such as feminism, orientalism, eroticism, censorship, morality, and freedom of expression.

In this article, we will examine the background and context of the film, analyze its plot and characters, interpret its themes and messages, and evaluate its impact and significance on Indian cinema and culture. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about the film.

Background and context

What is the history and origin of the Kamasutra?

The Kamasutra is an ancient Indian text that is widely considered to be the standard work on love in Sanskrit literature. The word Kamasutra means "threads of pleasure" or "principles of love". The text is attributed to Vatsyayana Mallanaga, who is believed to have lived between the third century BCE and second century CE. The text consists of seven parts that cover various topics related to love, such as finding a partner, courting, marriage, adultery, sexual positions, erotic arts, aphrodisiacs, etc. The text also acknowledges the Hindu concept of Purusharthas or four goals of life: dharma (duty), artha (wealth), kama (pleasure), and moksha (liberation). The text argues that kama or enjoyment of the senses is one of the legitimate aims of human life.

The Kamasutra is not just a sex manual or a religious work. It is a guide to the art of living well, the nature of love, and other aspects pertaining to pleasure-oriented faculties of human life. It is a sutra-genre text with terse aphoristic verses that have been interpreted by various commentators over time. The b70169992d