The journey—more than a geographical displacement—is an existential and spiritual path that leads to self-discovery. This theme is deeply explored in Water (2005, released in Italy in 2006), directed by Indo-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta. Set in Benares (Varanasi) in 1938, the film follows Chuyia, an eight-year-old widow forced to live in an ashram for widows. Within this rigid and conservative environment, Chuyia becomes a catalyst for change—for herself and for the women around her.
The original filming in Varanasi was disrupted by violent protests. Religious fundamentalists destroyed the set and forced production to halt. As a result, the film had to be shot secretly in Sri Lanka under the working title “River Moon” in 2003.
Despite these obstacles, Water was a success: it premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2005 and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2006 Academy Awards.
Literary and Cultural Sources
The theme of the inner journey has long been explored in literature by writers such as Jack Kerouac (On the Road) and, in a more metaphorical sense, Rabindranath Tagore. Mark Twain, though a traveler, portrayed journeys that were more physical than spiritual.
The Elements Trilogy
Water completes the trilogy that began with Fire (1996) and Earth (1998). These films explore intense social and personal themes: from sexuality and religious conflict to the status of women in Indian society.
Symbolism and Spirituality
Benares and the Ganges River are not just settings; they are symbols of purification, rebirth, and transformation. These elements align with the poetic tradition of the spiritual journey in both Eastern and Western narratives.
Controversy and Social Impact
The protests against Water exposed the tension between tradition and modernity, making the film a powerful case study in artistic freedom, cultural censorship, and religious orthodoxy.