Gulabi Gang

"Gulabi Gang is a fascinating portrait of the power of one. The documentary, Gulabi Gang is a record of an extraordinary women's movement started by the extraordinary Sampat Pal Devi in Uttar Pradesh in 2006."

"The 1.5 hour film is an important document. Because women, usually classified with the 'other' backward classes, and 'dabey-kuchley varg', are for burning, and raping, and humiliating. Because anyone who takes up cudgels on their behalf is to be acknowledged and praised."

"The film, which I strongly recommend that you watch, is a testament to their courageous work and the difference they have made. Jain's film is a deeply affecting work that reminds us of the vulnerability of women in rural India, and shines a light on the efforts of this group to protect, educate, and empower their gender against cruel husbands, corrupt politicians, and an orthodox, regressive mindset."

"Gulabi Gang is a fascinating and arresting account of an extraordinary activist who leads the meteoric rise of her organization. You must treat yourself to this one!"

"The purpose of making this documentary is surely to create awareness. The makers have done their job well. Now it's up to us to spread the word and recommend this film. Whatever you may be doing this weekend, take out sometime to watch Gulabi Gang. Watch it, because it's important!"

"The film is genuinely entertaining, shot through with wry humour and an unblinkered view of life in rural India..."

"...it is a sincere attempt to highlight the bravery and guts of a woman, who took action, in spite of the extremely adverse circumstances that she was brought up in. In a world where women are burnt and killed so casually, and where complaints by a woman are not even considered by cops, it is truly amazing to see the gumption and confidence with which Pal and her gang go about their duties."

"There's no attempt to glorify or even to gloss over the efforts of Sampat Pal. The documentary dosen't shy away from showing contradictions and confusions among Gulabi Gang's members. The powerful visuals don't falsify Pal's heroism and her grit. The interpretations of this movies could be many, but the fact that Jain allows her viewers the liberty to see Pal as the emergence of a parallel force-to bring about the much needed change- is not purely and necessarily circumstantial, but is indeed thought provoking."

"I doubt you will see a more important film this year. Gulabi Gang is an ideology, a searing exercise in awareness, which is why you must make this your mandatory watch this weekend."

"The instances were revolting, the tall talks about women's morality – a sham and the despite the distressing situations – Gulabi Gang is a ray of hope, brimming with optimism to change the stringent attitudes with galvanizing ferociousness. I am going with a 3.5/5 and a big thumbs up to the Gulabi Ladies. This movie made a part of your movement in spirit!"

"Jain largely focuses on the case of a teenaged woman whose in-laws and husband claim set herself on fire. But Pal, certain that the husband killed her, decides to poke around...Also, not all the women of the Gulabi Gang share Pal's emancipatory ideals. It's these contradictions that make the gang a fascinating, many layered phenomenon, one that a Bollywood movie would no doubt iron out into a flat piece of fiction."

"At 97 minutes the film is powerful, engrossing and completely captivating. And it's all because the central character is so completely assured of her ability to get women to become more proactive in their own defense. It's inspiring and truthful and even manages to question Sampat Pal's own beliefs on testy matters that involve her family members. Sampat pal of course, comes out smelling like roses and why not? She is after all the queen of the Pink Brigade!"

"Gulabi Gang is a documentary that you should watch with Google at hand. It's not comprehensive because Jain doesn't delve into either Pal's own history or the beginnings of Gulabi Gang. Neither does it provide a particularly in-depth understand of Bundelkhand's social hierarchies. The villages in the documentary could have been in any part of north or central India. But Gulabi Gang does an offer a glimpse into why Pal, with her ego and her confidence, is such a hero to those who commit to the pink sari: she's one of the few women who are committed to fighting for other women and the oppressed."

"Gulabi Gang looks into the women's movement, in one of the most rural parts of the country, with microscopic detail. These women are old, poor and from backward castes, who are shunned by the society and humiliated, raped and murdered by their own fathers, brothers and husbands. Born out of the atrocities is this gang, whose courage and resilience is worth documenting. Nishtha Jain deserves a standing ovation for her work but for that she first needs an audience. Go for it!"