Horror Movie Based on Gender Violence in Kazakhstan Sets New Box Office Records

Title: A Grisly Tale of Corruption and Violence in Kazakhstan's Dastur

Straight-up, you wouldn't think political corruption, violence against women, and the influence of Islam would make for a blockbuster movie. But hey, surprise, surprise! A recent Kazakhstani release over the holiday season has been slaying it at the box office, spinning a psychotic horror tale with heaps of political and social commentary.

Dastur, the Kazakh word for tradition, was directed by Kuanish Beisekov and carved a record in the Kazakh movie industry, bagging 1 billion tenge, around $2.2 million, in the first week following its release on December 28th. It's a freakin' smash hit, people!

In the first four days post-release, Dastur was practically cleaning up at the box office, outgrossing big-budget Hollywood movies like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom or Ferrari. It just goes to show that political and social commentary doesn't always have to be oh-so-predictable comedies drawing these kinds of crowds.

This harrowing story starts when the local playerboy son of a wealthy business tycoon rapes Diana, a school graduate returning home from a performance on her dombyra, a traditional Kazakh stringed instrument, at the "last bell" ceremony. Moral of the story, don't trust rich, wild-child sons!

Diana's family files a police report, but social pressure stirs up a storm. To hush things up, the mayor seals a deal for Diana to marry her attacker. Can't have unnecessary uyat, or shame, now, can we?

Uyat is more of a consistent force than a mere word in Central Asia. It's the cudgel that compels women to abide by societal norms, and Dastur highlights its insidious use in the film. Both families—the perpetrator's and the victim's—press for a deal instead of enduring public humiliation.

As if life isn't already grim enough, Diana struggles to cope with her trauma. At her own wedding, she attempts to end her life with a scarf.

To make matters even stranger, the movie takes a bizarre turn, introducing a two-headed calf, the mysterious slaughter of sheep, and a plague of flies reminiscent of the Exorcist.

The politics aren't far behind. The mayor's ambiguous role points to the rampant corruption that permeates Kazakh society. Audiences seem eager to watch moviemakers who dare to take an unblinking look at the nation's issues, from political rot to gender-based violence.

The makers of Dastur are crystal clear about their goals. A message at the film's end highlights the focus on gender violence and pledges part of the box office earnings to women's rights organizations and shelters.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, gender-based violence has been a hot topic in Kazakhstan, following the killing of Saltanat Nukenova at a restaurant in Astana.

Beisekov, the director, moves from political commentary to social satire, with a music video for his group Irina Kairatovna's song 5000 depicting fireworks exploding human bodies—a not-so-subtle criticizing of the extravagant fireworks displays held during the birthday of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Dastur's lead character is named Nursultan, a name common in the region but also indelibly linked to a president whose rule was characterized by corruption and social injustice. The rapist character, Bolat, bears the name of Nazarbayev's late brother.

Irony isn't lost when it comes to the village, Bolashak, meaning future, and the shoppers' paradise Khan Shatyr. Even the mosque where the distraught couple takes their vows is named Nurly, a nod to Nazarbayev's first name, but also meaning light.

The role of Islam comes into play as the imam attempts to exorcise the lurking spirits. A scene inspired by The Exorcist plays out in dramatic fashion. Just remember—no spoilers! And if you're looking for a happy ending, you might want to keep dreaming... 😉

The box office success of Dastur, a Kazakhstani movie, demonstrates that political and social commentary can captivate audiences, even in genres like horror and psychotic thrillers.
The Kazakhstani movie industry has been shaken with the impressive earnings of Dastur, surpassing big-budget Hollywood movies, showcasing that compelling narratives focusing on political and social issues can be equally popular.
The movie Dastur, with its interweaving of politics, general news, business, entertainment, and even a touch of the supernatural, is a prime example of how Hollywood-like productions can tackle weighty subjects and captivate audiences alike.