Synopsis:
Based on a actual events, the story is about a Pakistani Hindu Dalit boy and his father who accidentally cross the border into India from their village in Pakistan at a time of extreme war like tension between the 2 countries and end up spending years in an Indian prison while the mother left behind wonders what has happened to them
Saw it at a screening courtesy Scene Club on Thursday 30th July at Knowledge Village. I remember not watching this film as I chose Blindness on the same day at DIFF 2008. It was a very sensitive film made with a lot of thought. The highlight of the film was not showing atrocities in both countries, but stark realities.
The way the boy grows up in jail, how his childhood is moulded by the convicts and jail staff who are fair but have their own quirks and issues. Since this story is based on true events, the plight of prisoners such as Ramchand and his father are brought out completely, making one feel helpless, angry and full of questions. Why aren't genuine cases like these cleared quickly? Is it easy to differentiate between innocent people and the real threat?
The saddest part of the story is the separation and lack of communication with the mother, played brilliantly by Nandita Das, who has no clue of their wellbeing or if and when they will return. The slow and steady direction, great background score, beautiful locales and appropriate build up of story and climax make this movie a true cinematic watch.
3.5/5
