The Purity Test has historically served as a segue from O-week to true college life at Rice.
It's a voluntary opportunity for O-week groups to bond, and for students to track the maturation
of their experiences throughout college.
Caution: This is not a bucket list. Completion of all items on this test will likely result in death.
Initially hesitant, Rajaram takes a pseudonym—Mastram—and writes a story based on a real-life encounter he observes. To his surprise, the book flies off the shelves. The demand is insatiable.
Mastram (2014) is a sharp, witty, and poignant indie gem. It is for those who enjoy character-driven dramas that use an unconventional lens to examine universal truths about creativity, shame, and the masks we all wear. Do not watch it for cheap thrills; watch it for a brilliant, uncomfortable, and deeply human story about the man who taught a generation of Indians to read—one cheap, yellowed page at a time. Rating: 3.5/5
The story is set in the 1980s and follows (played by Rahul Bagga ), a small-town bank clerk in Himachal Pradesh with dreams of becoming a respected literary author. Mastram Movie 2013
Due to its niche status, physical DVDs of the film are rare collectors' items. However, the digital rights have occasionally been picked up by Indian OTT platforms like and YouTube (official paid rental) . As of 2025, it is recommended to check platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV for rental availability. Be sure to look for the "Uncut Version" if possible, as the theatrical cut removed approximately 12 minutes of crucial character development.
This article explores the cinematic journey of Mastram , the real-life mystery behind the pen name, the film’s narrative structure, and its lasting legacy in the context of Indian storytelling. Mastram (2014) is a sharp, witty, and poignant indie gem
The film Mastram attempts to answer this question through a fictionalized biography, imagining the man behind the notorious pen name.
★★★★☆ (4/5 for artistic ambition; 3/5 for execution) Watch it for: The performance of Tara Sharma, the earthy dialogues, and a climax that redefines the phrase "the pen is mightier than the sword." Rating: 3
It is not a pornographic film; in fact, it is surprisingly chaste. The real "steam" comes from the psychological conflict. It is a film about repression, the unspoken desires of a conservative society, and the strange dignity that can be found even in disreputable art.
Rahul Bagga delivers a career-best performance. He masterfully shifts from the hunched, nervous clerk to the fiery, confident "Mastram" during his writing sessions, often typing with a manic, possessed energy. The supporting cast, including Tara Alisha Berry as a fleeting fantasy figure, is adequate, but the film rests entirely on Bagga’s shoulders.