Yes Madam, Sir (Megan Doneman, 2008): Australia/India

Reviewed by Nicole Bacher. Viewed at the Santa Barbara Film Festival.

Kiran Bedi is one remarkable woman. She is the first woman ever to join India’s Police Department. Her fearlessness and her drive is revered throughout the community. But it didn’t come easy. Yes Madam, Sir directed by Megan Doneman and narrated by Helen Mirren is one woman’s life story. Kiran Bedi never backs down and is constantly saying yes to every challenge. Bedi yearns for the youth of India to get an education. She rejuvenates local slums and puts schools in alleyways. Even though there is so much going against her, she rises to the top every time to prove to herself and others that anything is possible.

Bedi’s father always knew he wanted to educate his four daughters. This was highly frowned upon, and he did it anyway. Woman in India are supposed to cook, clean the house and keep things in order. He was even warned that there would be consequences for his actions, but ignored them anyway. Eventually, he was cut off from the family fortune.

When she joined the Police Force in 1972, Bedi started to notice the amount of extortion and corruption throughout the force. She wasn’t taken seriously and wasn’t given any respect. It wasn’t until a riot broke out that  Bedi earned the respect that she deserved. She put her life on the line while many stood back. She has had many rough assignments given to her. Another is the Tihar Jail. A jail so corrupt that it took time before people started noticing a change. Bedi brought new reforms like yoga, detox centers, meditation, and education programs to help prisoners. She even made a suggestion box, so each inmate could have his or her own voice.

Bedi has influenced many  decisions made by the Police service in special matters like narcotics and security. Through the entire film we see firsthand how badly she was mistreated by her peers. Over the next couple of years Bedi was transfered to a washed-out police academy where she, yet again, transformed it to be a well-respected learning and training camp. She has won many awards until this day and has continued to give back to her community. This is one wonderful documentary not to be missed.

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Published:
02.01.09 / 11pm
Category:
Documentary, Films, Santa Barbara Film Festival 2009