The Story Behind ‘To Kill A Tiger’, India’s Oscar-Nominated Documentary
In a small village in Jharkhand, India, a 13-year-old girl was brutally gang-raped by three men in 2022. Her father, Ranjit, decided to take a stand and report the crime to the police, hoping to get justice for his daughter. But he soon realized that he was up against a powerful and corrupt system that wanted him to remain silent. He faced threats, intimidation, and social ostracism from the villagers and their leaders, who pressured him to drop the charges and accept a settlement. Ranjit refused to give up and continued his fight for justice, even at the cost of his own safety and livelihood.
This is the story of ‘To Kill A Tiger’, a documentary feature film directed by Nisha Pahuja, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker based in Toronto. The film, which has been nominated for the Best Documentary Feature at the 96th Oscars, follows Ranjit’s emotional journey as he challenges the patriarchal and caste-based norms that enable violence against women in India. The film also captures the love and strength of his family, who support him throughout his ordeal.
A bold and honest approach
The film, which was shot over four years, takes a bold and honest approach in depicting the harsh realities of the Jharkhand gang-rape case. It does not shy away from showing the graphic details of the crime, the trauma of the victim and her family, and the legal and social hurdles they face. The film also exposes the systemic failures and biases that prevent justice from being served, such as the lack of forensic evidence, the delays and corruption in the judicial process, and the influence of the local politicians and caste leaders.
The film also raises important questions about the role of the media, the civil society, and the government in addressing the issue of sexual violence in India. It shows how the case attracted national and international attention, and how various activists, lawyers, and celebrities came forward to support Ranjit and his daughter. It also shows how the case sparked a public debate and a social movement, demanding stricter laws and better implementation to protect women’s rights and dignity.
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The film has received praise from critics and audiences alike for its courageous and compelling storytelling. It has also been supported by a star-studded team of executive producers, including British Indian actor Dev Patel, Indian-American actress Mindy Kaling, and Indo-Canadian poet Rupi Kaur. The film has won several awards and accolades, such as the Amplify Voices Award for Best Canadian Feature Film at the Toronto International Film Festival 2022, and the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Mumbai Film Festival 2023.
A hopeful message
Despite the dark and disturbing nature of the film, ‘To Kill A Tiger’ also offers a hopeful message of resilience and change. It shows how Ranjit and his family overcome their fear and shame, and how they inspire others to speak up and fight for their rights. It also shows how the case becomes a catalyst for social transformation, as more and more people join the movement to end violence against women in India.
The film’s title, ‘To Kill A Tiger’, is derived from a proverb that Ranjit’s father used to tell him: “To kill a tiger, you need the courage of a hundred men.” The film shows how Ranjit embodies this courage, and how he becomes a hero for his daughter and for millions of women in India.
The film’s director, Nisha Pahuja, said in a statement, “The film was a record of a very painful time in their lives — but it also captured the immense love and strength of an exceptional family who had nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to hide.”
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The film’s nomination for the Oscar is a recognition of its artistic excellence and its social relevance. It is also a testament to the power of cinema to shed light on the issues that matter, and to inspire action and change.
The 96th Oscars will be held on March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The award show will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. ‘To Kill A Tiger’ will compete with four other films in the Best Documentary Feature category: ‘Bobi Wine: The People’s President’, ‘The Eternal Memory’, ‘Four Daughters’, and ‘20 Days in Mariupol’.
