A new film, Accused, directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, delves into the complexities of power and prejudice, inverting the typical gender dynamic of workplace harassment. The story follows Dr Geetika Sen, a celebrated and openly queer gynaecologist in London, played by Konkona Sen Sharma, who is positioned to become dean of her hospital. She is a brilliant and feared boss, known for not sugarcoating incompetence.
Her wife, Meera, played by Pratibha Ranta, is gentler and warmer, and their marriage appears stable until anonymous allegations of sexual harassment surface. An inquiry is launched, and social media erupts, leaving Geetika no longer in control. The premise is daring, and the film smartly refuses to sensationalise Geetika’s sexuality, treating her marriage with refreshing normalcy.
Exploring Power Dynamics
Konkona Sen Sharma brings tension to her role, playing Geetika with restraint, and conveying both arrogance and vulnerability. Pratibha Ranta, on the other hand, brings ache to her portrayal of Meera, absorbing the humiliation of public scandal with a softness that never tips into weakness. The dynamic between the two is the film’s strongest thread, with confrontations that feel lived-in rather than staged.
Unpacking the Narrative
Where Accused begins to wobble is in its execution. The narrative tension is inconsistent, and the screenplay circles around its own themes without sharpening them. The script gestures at questions of bias and double standards but stops short of truly interrogating them. The pacing too becomes uneven in the latter half, drifting into prolonged emotional exchanges.
Some of the key themes explored in the film include:
- Power dynamics in the workplace
- Prejudice and bias
- The impact of social media on public scandals
For more information on the film, visit the IMDB page. To learn more about the director, Anubhuti Kashyap, check out her profile on Wikipedia.
