Cinema is a powerful medium to shed light on social injustices. Several filmmakers have used this tool to highlight the underlying issues in the society. For example, Mrs. movie highlights the struggles of a woman burdened with boundless household chores while never receiving any appreciation for her work. Meanwhile, the recently released Kudumbasthan movie showcases the struggles of a middle-class man trying to make ends meet after he loses his job.
All these films shed light on the real-life struggles of many individuals in our society. Another film that does something similar is Riwaj. This hard-hitting film tells the story of a courageous woman who takes on a battle against the oppressive practice of triple talaq. She decides to break a cycle that has lasted for centuries. With an intense narrative, a stellar cast, and a strong message, Riwaj is not just a film—it is a movement.
Understanding Triple Talaq and Its Impact on Women
Triple talaq is a controversial practice in which a Muslim man can divorce his wife instantly by saying the word “talaq”(the Arabic word for divorce) three times. Earlier, this used to be oral or written. Then, with the changing times, some men even divorced their wives via text messages or phone calls. This often happens without a legal alternative for the woman.
This archaic law has been practiced for years. It has subjected countless women to emotional, financial, and social struggles. It is also believed that this practice leaves women vulnerable to exploitation. After several protests, legal battles, and debates, the Triple Talaq was officially abolished in India in 2019 due to the Shayara Bano v. Union of India & Others case in 2017. Loosely inspired by this case, Riwaj follows a woman’s painful yet empowering journey to get Triple Talaq abolished in India.
All About Riwaj Movie Plot: A Fight Against Injustice
The Riwaj movie revolves around the story of a young, strong-willed woman, Zainab Shaikh(Myraa Sareen), who fights against the archaic law of Triple Talaq. It all starts with Zainab being forced into an unwanted marriage due to societal pressure. What begins as a compromise soon turns into a nightmare. Zainab faces continuous oppression, endless household labor, and emotional abuse by her in-laws. They even go to the extent of secretly terminating her pregnancies.
After a point, Zainab is unable to take this and goes to her house for a few days. Within this time, her husband, Hanif(Aftab Shivdassani), coldly sends her a triple talaq letter. Zainab is in shock, heartbroken, in fact. However, she decides to fight back. When she tries to seek legal justice, she is met with rejection as nobody wants to interfere with religious laws.
With pressure from the community and rejections everywhere, Zainab is on the verge of giving up when she meets Ramzan Qadir(Mithun Chakraborty), a once-renowned lawyer. He resumes his practice and helps Zainab fight this historic legal battle. Will Zainav succeed? To find out, watch Riwaj movie online on ZEE5!
Cast of Riwaj
The film boasts an exceptional cast that brings this gripping story to life. Myraa Sareen excels in her role as the resilient Zainab Shaikh. Mithun Chakraborty is brilliant as Ramzan Qadir, a Supreme Court lawyer who aids Zainab in her legal battle. Aftab Shivdasani makes you hate his character of Zainab’s oppressive husband, Hanif Qureshi. Meanwhile, Anita Raj makes your blood boil as Hanif’s mother and a firm believer in oppressive traditions.
The film also features strong supportive performances by talented actors like Jaya Prada, Zakir Hussain, Advik Mahajan, Naresh Puri, Kum Kum Das, Aman Gupta, and others. These actors make the narrative feel even more raw and relatable with their performance.
Why You Should Watch Riwaj
If you like watching drama movies with a strong social message, Riwaj is a must-watch. It is an emotionally charged film with powerful performances, a gripping storyline, and a heart-wrenching yet inspiring journey. The film is not just about triple talaq; it is about resilience, courage, and the fight for justice and equal rights.
Where to Watch Riwaj Movie
You can now watch Riwaj movie online, streaming exclusively on ZEE5. Just get a ZEE5 subscription and stream this thought-provoking film from the comfort of your home. You can also watch other Mithun Chakraborty movies, Aftab Shivdasani movies, Anita Raj movies, and more with this single subscription.
Final Thoughts
Riwaj is more than just a film; it is a statement against oppression and a call for justice. It shows how even a single woman’s determination can bring a change. As we move towards a progressive society, films like Riwaj serve as reminders that battles for change are never easy but always necessary. Tune into ZEE5 and experience this groundbreaking cinema for yourself.
