Jul 04, 2006 11:50 PM
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Based in Calcutta, this is a story of Arti (Shabana Azmi) and her sister Mithi (Konkona). Arti is a professor at a prestigious college and she shares an age difference of 18 years with her sister. She has devoted her entire life to serving her aged mother and schizophrenic sister. Mithi’s condition is marked by strange delusions and visions which are recurring. At times she is a bundle of energy and at others she is in a state of solitude. Her contradiction with her state of mind constantly haunts her. It is increased by some violent incidents which lead her to a path of self destruction again and again. The relationship she shares with Arti is more of a mother and daughter. The latter sacrifices her personal life and mental peace to stand by her sister.
This subtle relationship forms the crux of the story and is dealt with beautifully. However it is up to Joydeep (Rahul Bose) to help Mithi in finding her home at ’15 Park Avenue, Calcutta’. Driven by pity over the condition of his ex lover, this is his step to redemption. The movie does not attempt to overly sympathize with the condition of the patient but to understand their state of mind. It is marked in the conversation Arti has with her doctor.
“If such people prefer to be happy in their own world who are we to rob them of their joy.”
“Because if 100 people convince you to believe something is right, even the impossible becomes true.”.
One does not have to state again and again that Shabana Azmi is a brilliant actress. It is simply understood and she fully justifies her choice for the role. Between the patience of a motherly figure and the frustration of a middle aged woman she is effortless. Bose who is a favourite of Aparna Sen does another good job as the lover who is driven by guilt and shame for his actions. Waheeda Rehman as the mother who is helpless and distraught with her daughter’s plight deserves a mention. But the highlight is Konkona who is like a child woman who no one can understand but she her self. She delivers a superlative performance without going over the top which is the usual manner in which such roles are usually portrayed.
The theme is not new, the last movie on this theme, Kyon Ki raising protests in the way schizophrenic individuals are shown. Yet it is the difference in treatment that sets it apart. Rather than considering such people as mentally disabled it makes us realize that they have aspirations like any of us. The trauma that any family who has such a member goes through looks realistic. This is where the audience starts empathising with Mithi’s character. And the climax makes them feel happy for the blessed but unfortunate girl.
