Damul is a 1985 Indian Hindi-language film directed by Prakash Jha, based on the story Kaalsootra, by Shaiwal, a native of Gaya district of Bihar, starring Annu Kapoor, Sreela Majumdar, Manohar Singh, Deepti Naval, Ranjan Kamath and Pyare Mohan Sahay in lead roles.

Plot

The story is about a bonded labourer who is forced to steal for his landlord, to whom he is bonded until death. Set in rural Bihar of 1984, the film focuses on the caste politics and the oppression of the lower castes in the region, through bonded labour. The film also highlights the issue of heavy migration of the poor villagers of Bihar to richer states like Punjab in search of livelihood.

Awards

International acclaim

Damul was invited for both the competition and participation sections at the Montreal, Chicago and Moscow film festivals.