Title: Lāja = Shame  /
Authors: Barā, Mañju; Sarma, Tarali; AAAS Productions (Gauhati, India)
Publisher: Aaas Production Pvt. Ltd.,
Year: 2004
Subjects: Poverty Drama.; Caste Drama.; Families Drama; Social problems Drama
Abstract: Ila, the protagonist of the film "Laaz"(Shame) represents this society. In her extreme poverty she is fighting her best to complete her basic education. Here she is helped by her idealistic teachers as much as they can. But Ila could see the duel character of the religion where it takes the form of exploitation of the ignorance of the people of the society. The treatment of low caste Ila by the religious guru is another sad reality of these poor societies. However, the same guru treats Runu, the rich girl, from the same low caste community in a different way. Ila could see even in religion, it is only money that matters.  Ila is representing the poverty, exploitation, the frustration and despair of this fisherman community in a poignant manner. In this fisherman's village Ila is the symbol of utter helplessness of such communities to fight the hydra-headed monster of social tabooes, religious divides, caste consideration, economic desperation and social ostracism. This young girl's heart crys out and ask the society why millions like her have to suffer such indignity when the others.