Another Savitri: A Critical Study of Mani Ratnam’s Roja

Abstract

In the epic poem of Mahabharata, the story of Satyavan-Savitri was narrated to present the concept of “pativrata Nari”. The women who had the power of chastity and were devoted to their husbands were considered the ideal women in the Indian epic tradition. The character of Savitri was not only an ideal “pativrata” but also the savior who brought her dead husband back to life. The paper will investigate the legend associated with the character of Savitri which has been recreated several times in literary and cinematic history. Ir will also explore the parallels between the two women’s lives and the similar approaches they take inspired by their devotion to their husbands.