" 'The religious laws are almost always misused by people,' says the Indian director Pavithan, 'leading to the exploitation of those who succumb or resign themselves to religious or social pressures.' Salt is a bitter tale of how Muslim law, often with the best of intentions, can oppress women. The happily married daughter of a once-wealthy man moves with her family to a new town, where her father meets one of the local gentry. This rich man is pious and kindly, but unsatisfied with his marriage. Soon, there is agreement-at least among the rich man, the local kazi (religious head) and the young woman's father-that she should marry the wealthy gentleman. Thus she and her husband are thrust apart, while the rich man's first wife is taken away by her family. Though Salt is only his third film, Pavithan, working here with a very lean script, demonstrates an impressive mastery of visual storytelling." -Walter V. Addiego