Set in 1890s Nashik, in the aftermath of the barber strike led by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule against the practice of shaving widows’ heads, Karunashtake, translating to prayers for compassion in Marathi, follows seven widowed women gathered inside a wada, waiting for a barber who may or may not arrive. Written and directed by Prajakt Deshmukh, the Marathi play uses stereotypes to explore rebellion and the quiet ways women challenge the rules imposed on them.

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule