Ayena review: Incisive look at the lives of acid attack survivors

Ayena (Mirror) is Siddhant Sarin’s observational documentary about Ritu Saini and Faraha Khan, two survivors of acid attacks trying to redefine their lives and look towards a brighter future despite the odds.

Ritu and Faraha were leading regular lives when one day it all changed irrevocably for them. The acid attack on them did not just disfigure their faces permanently, it also made them social outcasts.

Trying to rebuild their lives, we see them on their journey, discovering the road ahead. We see them at their homes, getting dressed, discussing everyday matters with each other, going about their work, even getting into arguments with each other.

They work at Sheroes café, run by survivors of acid attacks. Living and working together, they create a community for themselves and are empowered as working members of society. Despite their challenges, these remarkable women are filled with fun and laughter.

Sarin's film offers information about the protagonists in snatches. They tell us what led to the attack on them, the aftermath, the protests at Jantar Mantar and the largely futile attempts to get justice, which allows the attackers to lead normal lives after committing such heinous acts. In a bleak moment, Ritu reflects on how one moment changed her life forever and wonders why they were left alive. Faraha compares the status of a wife in a patriarchal society like ours to that of a buffalo.

Although the documentary is slow-paced, it raises awareness about acid attacks and the ways in which the survivors are trying to rebuild their lives. We learn about their anxieties and fears about what the future holds for them. As an acid-attack survivor gets married, the others can dream of leading regular lives.

There are instances when the survivors feature on television or in fashion shows, but society has a really long way to go in truly embracing them. Ritu takes part in a fashion show and instructs the make-up person to not hide her scars as she is putting herself “in front of the same society that discarded me”.

Ayena was screened virtually from 26 to 28 February at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.