Monday, January 16, 2006

Breathtaking Shwaas

Shwaas (A Breath)
Some weeks are easy and then there are those which refuse to budge away. The last one was one of the in-between types. Weekend for me is Sunday - solitary Sunday. So many things to do, so much sleep to catch and only one day! It's so unfair.

And life's also not fair. Finding some time out from preparing presentations and keeping the washing machine whirring, watched Sandeep Sawant's directorial debut Shwaas (A Breath) on the PC.

Based on a true story, Shwaas essays the journey of a seven-year-old boy, Parashuram (Ashwin Chitale), with retinal cancer, whose only chance of survival is an operation that will leave him permanently blind. With only a letter of reference from the local doctor, Parashuram and his grandfather (Arun Nalavade) try to grapple with the challenges of a big city hospital and the turmoil of the seemingly detached doctor who is left with the huge responsibility of explaining the situation to the young boy. A series of events makes the grandfather take some peculiar decisions highlighting the importance of living life gracefully and finally the young boy coming into terms with the inevitable tragedy.

(From the jacket)

Even though it had to wait exactly six months since its purchase for me to be able to watch the movie, the VCD of India's official entry to the 77th Academy Awards was worth more than the Rs. 125 I paid. The missing Oscar doesn't make any difference.

7 comments:

  1. Thanks soumya,

    I was going to write about the movie, but then I'm lazy!

    Indeed a beautiful film. It took Marathi films three decades, almost, to come up with another masterpiece, but the wait was worth it. the film was a long needed shot-in-the art of the regional movie insustry in Maharashtra. and it was refreshing to see a moderate budget movie, with a non-commercial script being accepted by the general public. there is still hope...

    great performances by the two major characters, a tight script and a very touching story...

    AFJ, yes you have to :)

    asuph

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  2. well....is it compulsory to make a comment?

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  3. a jhakaas movie...
    my aunt in NY was busy helping these guya with their oscar campaign.

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  4. Hmm, I have always wanted to watch this film. I wish filmakers would chose themes that are more conscientious and are reflective of the times we live in, instead of the sleaze that is being dished out. I suppose this TOO, is a SIGN OF THE TIMES.

    Btw, have you watched, 15 Park Avenue? So far, the reviews have been bad, would like to hear ur take on that.

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  5. yes! it doesn't make any difference! its a brilliant film.. specially the kid--so innocent n expressive! and the scenes in hospital towards the ending are awesome.

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