By Taran Adarsh, August 18, 2011 – 11:50 IST

The clash between development and displacement has, most of the times, resulted in controversy. I strongly feel that if there was an issue that was crying out for a movie of its own, it’s the acquisition of land in the name of development. The incident makes news, but dies a premature death most of the times. Lessons are learnt but discarded with speed. The sufferers are unheard and uncared for…

SAHI DHANDHE GALAT BANDE brings back memories of two films which address the issue of land acquisition, though, I wish to add, the stories of each of these films are different and distinct…

THE CASTLE, a 1997 Australian film, was about a family living near the airport in Melbourne. It is forced to leave its home, since the government and airport authorities have plans for the extension of the airport. How they fight to remain in their house, taking their case as far as the High Court, forms the crux of the story.

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PUTTAKKANA HIGHWAY, a Kannada film, narrates the story of farmers who will have to give up their land for the construction of a highway. Puttakka, the protagonist, is also about to lose her land. But not the one to give up easily, she puts up a brave fight against the corrupt system. This film bagged the prestigious National Award in the best regional film category.

SAHI DHANDHE GALAT BANDE also tries to capture the ramifications of displacement and development on people and focuses our attention to More >