This film was written and directed by Vikas Khanna and adapted from his book of the same name. The story is set in Varanasi (also known as Banaras), often called the spiritual capital of India and its holiest city. It is located on the banks of the Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a fitting backdrop for this story of good and evil to play out. Cinematographer Subhranshu Das beautifully captures the city in different moods. Khanna relies on two main characters to tell hs the story of widows and street children trapped by ancient and outdated traditions in Banaras in 1989.
Noor, a widow for many years now, lives a colorless life in a small, dark room of an ashram. Her roommate is an unpleasant and judgmental woman. Noor’s life is controlled by rules of what she can eat, drink, wear, and where she can go. Chhoti is a nine-year-old girl who has been abandoned by her family. Forced to live on the streets, Chhoti who is bright and determined makes the best of it. She makes a living by selling flowers and walking a tightrope. She is saving money and hopes to attend school someday.
Noor walks to the river daily to find a quiet spot to pray. One day, Chhoti shows up and tries to befriend her. At first, Noor is reluctant to talk to this untouchable child, but soon Chhoti’s kindness and respect win her over. Chhoti has decided to bring color and joy back into Noor’s life, and Noor responds by bringing love into Chhoti’s.
There are a few other characters that complete the story. Anarkali (Rudrani Chhetre), a transgender, often tries to protect Chhoti but is harassed by the police. She is often sexually molested by Raja, an angry and abusive police inspector. Chintu (Rajeswar Khanna), a street boy and Chhoti’s friend, is often taken advantage of by adults, but sweetly loves Chhoti with a pure heart.
Neena Gupta as Noor brings a quiet acceptance to her role as a suppressed widow who gradually starts enjoying life again. Aqsa Siddiqui is as natural and charming as Chhoti who is full of life with an innate, and hopeful self-confidence. Director Khanna’s hope is that ‘The Last Color’ will bring reflection and a change in how we relate to our fellow humans.
