Kani Kusruti in a scene from We imagine everything as light,
I said, “Would you mind if I asked you a question?” MotherDuring our daily catch-up call at the beginning of the holiday season two weeks ago, I decided to deviate from our routine of updating each other about the vagaries of our lives, who we met and what we cooked.
I just watched director Payal Kapadia’s award-winning film We imagine everything as light (AWIAL) and was particularly troubled by the despair of its central character Prabha (written by Kani Kusruti) in the first half. “How did you deal with loneliness after this appaI’m suddenly feeling a little heavy during this time,” I said, changing the pace of our conversation from familiar to familiar.
There was silence on the call. Amma was shocked. “It was and is incredibly difficult. I don’t recommend it. Not for you and certainly not for me,” she said about it as if leaving a Google review.
The brevity of my mother is reminiscent of Kusruti’s depiction of rigid, imposed conservatism Avial Around the theme of loneliness. Although one may not talk about it in as many words, this shroud of isolation is an unfortunately universal human experience.
there is a moment in this Avial Where Prabha falls on the floor. It is night. Due to rain in Mumbai, windows are shaking and living room is flooded. Prabha, a nurse by day, is now in her nightgown, wrapped in a cool, lonely blue cloth and examining the rice cooker. Was it her estranged husband who sent her the gift, or a co-worker who has recently shown interest? In his silent contemplation, one sees him leaning forward and embracing. This inanimate object now has power. This is what defines Prabha’s desire for touch and absence of romance.
from still Mouna Ragam
Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Much has been written about this particular cooker scene that graces the poster that is traveling the world and receiving awards and honors, including two historic nominations at the Golden Globes. How difficult is it to talk about loneliness? When described verbally, this act sounds like desperation. However, when shown on screen through characters like Divya (Revathi) Mouna Ragam and Mrs. Chan (Maggie Cheung)., In in the mood for LoveThrough silent acts of sacrifice and passion, it shines, revealing what it’s like to talk about desire and ask for love, especially for women in this country.
Kusruti is a masterclass in the portrayal of this deep, layered emotion. In a moving age feature titled girls will be girlsWritten by director Shuchi Talati, Kusruti plays the role of Anila, a mother who not only struggles with a difficult relationship with her teenage daughter Meera (Preeti Panigrahi) but also discovers her sense of self, romance and sexuality. Is; But also with an absentee husband who often insults and shoots her. How she occasionally craves attention in an almost high-school-like competition with her daughter captures the essence of her lack of meaning and agency. Do we not see her eyes cast down in shame and sorrow when her husband and daughter make fun of her?
from still girls will be girls
Photo Courtesy: Joseph Gyana Satish X 10956@Chennai
Who does Meera call when she has no one? While trying to satisfy herself during a magical encounter, how does Prabha find space to accommodate the romance and love of her young housemate?
On New Year’s Eve, the final close of the holiday season, Amma sends my sister and I a photo of herself at a fancy club in town. “Happy New Year, darling,” she writes and begins our next morning call with an enthusiastic update on what songs she danced to. “Sheela aunty danced with a young, unknown man. we laughed. I was back home by 12 o’clock,” she says.
It is evident. My mother, like Prabha and Anila, lives in spite of loneliness, not through loneliness. Good lessons were learned in the first week of the year.
From The Hindu Cinema team, a fortnightly column recommending films and shows that relate to a mood, theme or pop-cultural event.
published – January 03, 2025 12:49 PM IST
