You are here:

Ajeeb Daastaans

Name: Ajeeb Daastaans
Director: Shashank Khaitan, Neeraj Ghaywan, Raj Mehta, Kayoze Irani
Released: 2021
Duration: 142 min

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

2021

TV-MA

Director

Shashank Khaitan, Neeraj Ghaywan, Raj Mehta, Kayoze Irani

Runtime

142 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Ajeeb Daastaans is a sophisticated anthology that uses fragmented narratives to challenge traditional social hierarchies. It moves past superficial inclusion by making underrepresented identities the central driver for plot and theme development. The film excels at storytelling that reflects multiple aspects of identity, specifically addressing colorism, religious intolerance, and assumptions that everyone is straight or cisgender. By centering characters who exist on the periphery of mainstream structures, the directors prioritize reclaiming control over their lives. While the film lacks specific representation for physical or neurodivergent disabilities, its focus on systemic social friction provides a powerful critique of contemporary Indian social orders.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Ajeeb Daastaans have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The 'Leila' segment focuses on female same-sex attraction, avoiding including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth. Queer desire is woven into the character's emotional journey, giving her significant influence while challenging societal norms that assume everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Ajeeb Daastaans portray gender?

Excellent

The protagonists are shown as active agents rather than passive subjects of patriarchal judgment. The film explores the tension between female autonomy and the community's policing of women's behavior.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ajeeb Daastaans?

Excellent

The 'Bhuri' segment offers a deep critique of colorism in South Asian media. It challenges aesthetic hierarchies by centering a protagonist whose actions are shaped by her dark skin tone.

How does Ajeeb Daastaans represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The 'Marium' segment explores the lived experience of a Muslim woman within a Hindu-majority framework. The film portrays religious social structures as sources of systemic oppression.

Does Ajeeb Daastaans include disability representation?

Minimal

The film examines social exclusion and the psychological impact of being ostracized. However, it lacks central depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Exceptional integration of LGBTQ identity into character-driven emotional arcs.
Strong subversion of traditional gender hierarchies and patriarchal norms.
Nuanced exploration of colorism and internal social hierarchies.
Effective use of the way different parts of someone's identity overlap to drive narrative tension.

Limited or Absent

Lack of representation regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

An anthology of four stories that explore the surprising ways in which unexpected catalysts inflame the uncomfortable emotions simmering under fractured relationships.

How are these scores produced? →