A report by Fuad Omar
 The film title is Daman (sounds like 'pawan (breeze)') and not 'Daaman'.
Daman is Kalpana Lajmi's latest offering and is a film no one
can miss. Be it the film's haunting melodies, the feel of the motion
picture, the sensitive subject or breathtaking performances it is a film that cannot go unnoticed.
I had the pleasure of attending the film's Music Release at a hotel in Juhu,
Mumbai and what I've seen of the film has shaped up incredibly well. A
lavish affair, the Daman party was on the same day as two other industry big
bashes namely the Govinda 'Chappad Phad Ke' and Zubeidaa party, yet I felt
more drawn to attend the Daman launch and was pleased to do so. Kalpana Lajmi attended to all her guests with courtesy and conviction as she spoke
about a movie she has breathed life into with an unbound resource of energy.
Raveena arrived looking stunning, dressed in black and glowing as usual, to
camera clicks galore as the press surrounded the film's leading lady and
central character, before she was invited onto the stage. Sanjay Suri the
film's male protagonist was beaming too, dressed in a pin striped suit and
sporting his trademark smile standing close to Kalapana at all times - ready
 to answer questions regarding his role in the movie.
As we took our seats a special preview of Daman's rushes were exhibited on a
big screen and what followed blew me away. From the scenes I saw of the
movie, I have yet to sleep in peace. The film is beautifully shot and
painfully executed with a sense of fear gratuitously provided by Sayaji
Sandey as the oppressor of the movie. The overall atmosphere given off by
the movie is dark and unrelentless in tone with the subject, yet Raveena
manages to glow marvellously in what seems all set to be the role of a
lifetime. The look in her eyes still haunts me to this day and whenever I
catch the promos on TV there is a pindrop silence at home as I become
fixated with the box which transmits the 'Sun Sun Goriya' song, coupled with
images of Raveena's eyes sometimes reflecting joy, sometimes pain and often
emotions which can't quite be categorised but you know when you feel them.
As the promos finish and the big screen fades to black, Kalpana calls
Raveena onto the stage along with the music director Dr Bhupen Hazarika and
co-star Sanjay Suri to felicitate the release. Half the audience remain
 mesmerised by the rushes they have just witnessed and Raveena walks onto
stage with a smile yet floating like an ethereal spirit being carried by the
wind, resonating an aura as haunting as her on-screen look in Daman.
I cannot help but feel a sense of pride as she walks in front of the
audience. Raveena has not had it easy and her talent has always been panned
by the press, constantly being maligned for years on end as a person who was
termed 'false' and arrogant. My first meeting with her dispelled the media
made image, and interview confirmed that what lies beneath the glowing
entity was a wonderful human being who no longer cared what labels she was
given. The bottom line was she was doing the right thing and making a
difference. Her journey has been paved with controversy yet the survivor has
made it through the storm and remains today someone who is a role model to
many and an inspiration to millions. As she takes to the stage she speaks
highly of her director and co-stars, before being asked to open the music of
the movie, which she says is an honour to be shared with the music director.
After the necessary deeds are done, they return back to the surface and
thank everyone for coming, allowing opportunities for whoever wishes to greet
them to do so. I watch from a distance as guests still arrive in their
droves to wish the film the best and the offer their good wishes. Singer
Shaan makes an appearance who has sung and features in the movie, and it is
not much later that Rahul Dev is spotted who features in Kalpana's next,
dressed in smarts carrying a look which states why he is the international
 supermodel he has become. Top journalist Rohini Iyer is seen talking to
dress designer Anna Singh and singer Anaida, all who are among the
distinguished guests.
As I leave I send a silent prayer for the film and for the film's heroine
who has made us all proud in recent years and continues to contribute both
to 'masala'/entertainment cinema and serious cinema, highlighting social issues and
delivering power packed performances. Daman is a film everyone should see on
the big screen and I am certain will be one which will make those who are
still sitting down stand up and applaud Raveena Tandon. It is her time and
it couldn`t happen to a nicer person. As the film gears up for release the
response in the UK is one which has already ensured it's opening weekend
will be a sell-out. I urge everyone to go and watch this movie and support
the intention behind its genesis: to highlight the plight of many Indian
women who are oppressed to the point of disgust, who have a voice in this
film and who need our prayers and support.
 Here's wishing the film every success, Raveena the appreciation she is so much
deserves, and Kalpana the accolades she so richly deserves for making
such a bold film and addressing an issue that remains the plight of many.
Daman is released at the end of February at cinemas nationwide.
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