Riwaj Movie Review: A Woman’s Fight Against Injustice and Triple Talaq

Riwaj (2025) Movie Review: Myraa Sareen’s Defiant Stand Against Triple Talaq – A Social Drama That Resonates, But Stumbles in Execution.

In the landscape of 2025’s Hindi cinema, where social dramas continue to carve out space amid blockbuster spectacles, Riwaj arrives as a timely, if uneven, indictment of patriarchal traditions. Directed by Manoj Sati, the film marks a bold OTT debut on ZEE5, premiering on March 7, 2025. At just 1 hour 54 minutes, it packs a punch with its unflinching gaze on triple talaq – the controversial practice criminalized in India in 2019, yet still haunting women’s lives. Led by rising star Myraa Sareen as the resilient Zainab, and veteran Mithun Chakraborty as her unlikely ally, Riwaj (meaning “tradition”) challenges viewers to confront the “riwaj” that binds and breaks.

Produced by Kashish Khan Productions with a modest budget of ₹10 crore, it boasts a score by Sultan Sulemani, Imran Wasim, and Dipessh Kashyap. But does this under-the-radar gem transcend its didactic roots, or does it falter under the weight of its message? This 1500-word review unpacks its narrative fire, stellar turns, technical highs and lows, and cultural impact, complete with a comparative table and FAQs.

For context, Riwaj emerges in a year flush with women-centric tales – from the fiery Mrs. to the introspective Kudumbasthan – yet it stands apart for its laser focus on Muslim women’s legal battles post the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act. Early buzz on platforms like IMDb (5.7/10 rating) hails it as “essential viewing for social awareness,” with fans praising Mithun’s comeback. Streaming exclusively on ZEE5, it’s already clocked millions of views, per platform metrics. Dive into our internal roundup of 2025’s bold OTT dramas for more on how Riwaj fits the trend.

Plot Summary: From Oppression to Uprising

[Spoiler-free zone]: Set against the dusty lanes of Dehradun and the hallowed halls of courtrooms, Riwaj chronicles Zainab Shaikh’s (Myraa Sareen) harrowing descent into marital hell and her phoenix-like rise. Forced into an arranged marriage with Hanif (Aftab Shivdasani), a seemingly charming suitor from a conservative family, Zainab’s dreams of education and independence shatter under waves of domestic abuse. When Hanif invokes the dreaded triple talaq – uttering the words that legally dissolve their union in seconds – she’s thrust into a void: penniless, shunned by society, and betrayed by a legal system slow to evolve.

The narrative pivots as Zainab crosses paths with Ramzan Qadir (Mithun Chakraborty), a retired Supreme Court lawyer haunted by his own past failures. Reluctant at first, Ramzan mentors her through a David-vs-Goliath battle against entrenched customs, aided by allies like the steadfast Zubaida Khan (Jaya Prada). Director Manoj Sati weaves real-life inspirations – drawing from post-2019 cases where women still face vigilante “justice” – into a taut thriller disguised as drama. Flashbacks to Zainab’s youthful aspirations contrast brutally with her present, while courtroom showdowns pulse with raw urgency. Yet, the plot isn’t immune to clichés: Subplots involving corrupt clerics (Zakir Hussain) veer into melodrama, and resolutions arrive too neatly, echoing Pink (2016) without its subtlety.

By the finale – a cathartic verdict that blends hope with hard truths – Riwaj leaves you seething and inspired. It’s a story that doesn’t just tell; it indicts, urging reform in a nation where over 600 triple talaq cases were reported in 2024 alone. For deeper dives into Sati’s oeuvre, link to our internal profile on emerging directors tackling social taboos.

Performances: Sareen’s Fire Fuels the Fight

Myraa Sareen, a fresh face post her supporting role in Article 370 (2024), explodes onto the scene as Zainab. Her portrayal is a masterclass in restrained fury – eyes brimming with unspoken rage during abuse scenes, voice cracking with defiance in court. Watch the interrogation sequence where she recounts her trauma; Sareen’s raw vulnerability, laced with steely resolve, elevates Riwaj from issue-film to human tragedy. Critics, including those at Times of India (2.5/5), laud her as the “soul of the film,” predicting awards buzz akin to Vidya Balan’s in Kahaani.

Mithun Chakraborty, at 75, delivers a poignant swansong-esque turn as Ramzan. His gravelly gravitas – mentoring with folksy wisdom drawn from his Bengali roots – grounds the film’s emotional core. A scene where he confronts his regrets over qawwali-tinged BGM is pure goosebumps, reminding us why he’s a National Award staple. Aftab Shivdasani, typecast as the sleazy Hanif, chews scenery effectively but lacks nuance, his villainy feeling cartoonish. Jaya Prada shines as Zubaida, the maternal pillar offering quiet rebellion, while Zakir Hussain’s patriarchal enforcer adds chilling authenticity. Anita Raj and young Adhvik Mahajan provide solid support, though the ensemble occasionally overwhelms.

Sareen’s arc draws parallels to real activists like Shayara Bano, the petitioner behind the 2017 ban. For more on her breakout, explore our internal feature on Myraa Sareen’s ascent.

Direction and Technical Craft: Passion Over Polish

Manoj Sati, known for shorts on gender justice, directs with fervor but uneven hand. The screenplay, co-penned by him and Khalid Azmi, builds tension admirably in the first act – Zainab’s wedding night a suffocating masterstroke of shadows and silence. Cinematography by Vikas Sivaraman (reuniting from Tere Ishq Mein) captures Dehradun’s sepia-toned oppression beautifully, with handheld shots in court evoking urgency. Editing by Raziuddin Ahamed keeps the pace brisk, clocking under two hours without filler.

Music, however, is the weak link. Sulemani’s Sufi-infused tracks aim for soul-stirring but land as generic – the title song a forgettable dirge compared to A.R. Rahman’s work elsewhere. Sound design amplifies whispers of abuse, making silences scream, yet VFX in dream sequences feels dated. Sati’s intent shines: He substantiates claims with on-screen text overlays citing laws, avoiding preachiness. Still, in 2025’s OTT glut, it lacks the visual flair of NH10. External link: Unpack the triple talaq ban’s legacy via this BBC explainer.

Incoming link potential: A shoutout from ZEE5’s blog could funnel traffic, positioning diariespress.com as a review authority.

Themes and Social Bite: Breaking the ‘Riwaj’

Riwaj isn’t subtle – it’s a sledgehammer against gender apartheid, portraying triple talaq not as relic but active weapon. Zainab’s fight critiques how religion twists into control, with politically incorrect jabs at “honor” killings and fatwa enforcers. Substantiated by stats (e.g., NCRB data on rising domestic violence), it refuses easy villains, humanizing even Hanif’s bigotry as learned poison. Themes of intergenerational trauma – Ramzan’s arc mirroring Zainab’s – add depth, echoing Thappad (2020). Yet, it risks alienating with one-sided portrayals; Muslim reformers are sidelined, a nod to Bollywood’s selective feminism.

In a post-2019 world, Riwaj sparks vital discourse: Has the ban curbed abuse, or merely driven it underground? It’s unapologetic, claiming traditions silencing women deserve dismantling – backed by global parallels like Iran’s hijab protests. For context, our internal analysis of triple talaq in cinema ranks Riwaj as a pivotal entry.

Pros and Cons: Balanced Verdict in a Table

Here’s a table distilling Riwaj‘s elements:

Overall Rating: 7/10 – Compelling watch for purpose-driven viewers.

Reception and Legacy: Modest Ripples

With no theatrical run, Riwaj‘s “box office” is viewership-driven: ZEE5 reports 5 million+ streams in Week 1, modest against Mirzapur S3‘s 20M but strong for dramas. IMDb user reviews gush (“10/10 for reality check”), though critics like Bollywood Hungama note execution flaws. Social media buzz? X (formerly Twitter) lights up with #RiwajOnZee5, feminists hailing Sareen, conservatives decrying “agenda-pushing.”

Compared to peers, it lags Article 15 (8.2/10) in polish but surpasses Section 375 (7.7/10) in focus. Our internal ranking of 2025 social thrillers places it at #5.

Final Verdict: A Call Worth Answering

Riwaj isn’t flawless – its passion sometimes eclipses craft, and resolutions feel scripted for uplift. Yet, in Myraa Sareen’s tour-de-force and Mithun’s gravitas, it finds heart. Stream it on ZEE5 if you’re weary of escapism; this is cinema as catalyst, reminding us change starts with stories like Zainab’s. For more empowerment narratives, check our internal hub on women’s rights films.

FAQs

1. Is Riwaj based on a true story?

Inspired by real triple talaq cases, like Shayara Bano’s landmark petition, but fictionalized for drama. Director Manoj Sati consulted activists for authenticity.

2. Where can I watch Riwaj online?

Exclusively on ZEE5 since March 7, 2025. Subscription required; free trial available for new users.

3. Does Riwaj accurately portray the triple talaq law?

Yes, it reflects the 2019 ban’s intent but highlights implementation gaps, substantiated by NCRB data. It’s educational without being a documentary.

4. Who’s the standout performer in Riwaj?

Myraa Sareen as Zainab – her raw intensity steals scenes, earning rave reviews akin to early Deepika Padukone.

5. Is Riwaj suitable for family viewing?

With themes of abuse and injustice, it’s for mature audiences (rated 16+). Triggers for domestic violence; watch with discretion.

6. How does Riwaj compare to Pink or Thappad?

Less ensemble-driven than Pink, more focused than Thappad, but shares their feminist fire. Riwaj excels in cultural specificity.

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