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2021 • Unknown

Woke Score
2
out of 10

Plot

Aditya is a death row prisoner facing charges of terrorism. His only hope for living lies in the game of chess.

Overall Series Review

The film centers on Aditya, a death row prisoner framed as a terrorist whose only hope for exoneration and freedom is his extraordinary skill in chess. The plot focuses on his individual journey of developing his talent under the mentorship of a fellow inmate to prove his innocence. The female lead, a lawyer named Manasa, is shown to be on her own coming-of-age arc, taking up the difficult case to benefit her career. The narrative relies on the universal themes of injustice, hope, and the power of individual merit, avoiding the insertion of contemporary Western political or cultural ideology.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics2/10

The story's core conflict is not based on race or immutable characteristics but on the character's wrongful framing and his individual merit in chess. The protagonist's struggle against an unjust system is a universal trope, not a lecture on intersectional hierarchy or privilege.

Oikophobia1/10

The film is an Indian production, and the narrative's criticism is directed at a corrupt or flawed local justice system (the framing of the protagonist) rather than a condemnation of Western civilization, one's home culture, or ancestors. The film contains 'mythological references and philosophical statements,' which works against a self-hatred narrative.

Feminism3/10

The female lawyer character, Manasa, has a prominent role with a professional 'coming-of-age' arc, but she is depicted as imperfect, switching between 'timid and fierce' and 'overly emotional at times.' This presentation avoids the 'Mary Sue' or 'Girl Boss' trope of instant perfection. The focus is on a professional career, but there is no explicit anti-natal or anti-family messaging.

LGBTQ+1/10

The plot, characters, and themes are entirely focused on a crime drama concerning a wrongly accused prisoner and his fight for life through chess. There is no presence, centering, or discussion of alternative sexualities, gender ideology, or the deconstruction of the nuclear family structure.

Anti-Theism2/10

The movie includes 'mythological references and philosophical statements' and acknowledges a moral law concerning the protagonist's innocence and fight for justice. There is no hostility toward religion or framing of traditional faith as a source of evil.