An impossibility lurks over Vivek Chaudhary’s documentary I, Poppy

Vivek Chaudhary’s documentary 'I, Poppy' brings a poignant narrative to the forefront by focusing on the challenges faced by a poppy farming family in a rural Indian context. Through the lens of Vardibai, an elderly farmer, and her son Mangilal, the film explores the tension between tradition and activism amid a backdrop of systemic inequities and the dire consequences of agricultural dependency on a fragile, exploitative system. Vardibai’s fear for her son reflects the generational struggle, where the stability of their lives is threatened by Mangilal’s choice to forge a path of resistance against an unjust system, designed to prolong their suffering and stifle their ambitions. Vardibai's view encapsulates the profound dilemma faced by many farmers globally — the fear of losing what little they possess to better prospects or greater activism, which often feels fraught with risk. The film captures Mangilal’s growing isolation as he grapples with the weight of corporate greed interfacing with governmental negligence. While Vardibai represents the often-muted cries of a traditional farmer, Mangilal embodies the clash between the desire for change and the crippling reality of fear that suppresses the collective farmer's unity. The narrative isn’t just about a mother-son dynamic, but rather an exploration of social justice themes, as families like theirs navigate an almost Sisyphean struggle against a tide of criminalization, low payments, and economic extortion, particularly as they belong to the marginalized Dalit community. Chaudhary’s documentary does well to spotlight how systemic barriers trap farmers in a cycle of poverty without real avenues for support, thus eliciting empathy and reflection from viewers. It powerfully illustrates how activism, though noble, comes at a cost – that of personal relationships and familial responsibilities, a sentiment that will resonate with many viewers who have had to balance personal aspirations against duty. On a broader scale, 'I, Poppy' serves as a mirror to the plight of countless farmers who are often seen as mere cogs within a broader societal machine. Chaudhary manages to weave a tale that is both intimately personal and starkly political, portraying the stark consequences of an unnoticed epidemic: the unyielding plight of farmers in the face of systemic oppression. The film’s premiere at Hot Docs 2025 sets the stage for potentially wider discussions on agricultural reforms and ethical farming practices, highlighting the need for institutional and social changes that would make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable farmers.