Director- Shonali Bose
Writer- Shonali Bose, Nilesh Maniyar
Cast-Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, zaira Wasim, Rohit Suresh Saraf,Rajshri Deshpande
Shonali Bose, as a film maker, has this inane ability to make movies about real people, real problems and their extremely admirable spirit to live life to the fullest.
After “Margarita with a Straw “ , she brings to us this wonderful and heart winning story of a couple whose life goes askew when their daughter is diagnosed with a life threatening disease. The film that’s based on a true story takes us on journey of Aditi and Naren’s ( Priyanka and Farhan )life spanning about 25 years.
In a non linear narrative that goes back and forth, we get a peep into their lives as spunky young twenty somethings to mature “ around 50s “. What stands out in their entire journey is their uncompromising love for each other and determination to never give up or break down.
Aditi is a woman who has resolve and nerves of steel.Whether it’s taking the risk of another baby while she has already lost one to a congenital disease Or seeking out best medical treatment for her daughter with no financial backup. Nothing ever deters her.
Naren is equally remarkable as supporting husband, always standing by her decisions and taking difficulties head on.
The most remarkable thing about them was that, never in such extremely tough circumstances did they lose their zest for life or romance for each other.
The film portrays their life, fighting the disease, fighting their fears of relapse, constantly trying to balance normalcy of life with upheavals. Aisha, their daughter grows up to be equally spunky and full of life. Her maturity in handling her situation in face of impending death is heart wrenching, and equally overwhelming is Aditi’s constant efforts to make the most of whatever time span life throws at them .
The story of this family leaves you admiring their courage and indomitable spirit .Working around extreme circumstances and continuing to enjoy life requires grit and lots of love to help you sail through. And that makes the story of Choudharys’ life so beautiful ,loveable and admirable.
Shonali brings to life this true story pulling at your heartstrings all the time. In spite of all the heaviness of situation around, there’s always a buoyancy brought about by the humour, the tussles, the happiness factors in their lives which they never let go of .
Performances are as much the pillars of this film as is the direction and writing.
Priyanka is fabulous as the resolute Aditi.
Farhan is perfect as the supportive husband.
Zaira Wasim and Rohit Saraf as kids give a remarkable performance.
The only thing that lags in the movie is its length of two and a half hours. The film could have been crisper .
But the sensitive portrayal of the story and characters leave you with a whole gamut of emotions… smiling, laughing, feeling emotionally welled up and in tears. Real life footages of the actual Choudhary family remind you of the realism and beauty of the story brought alive by the film.
It’s not merely a film, it’s almost a motivational movie, that leaves you in awe & admiration, implores you to value life and love. And most importantly, it teaches you to keep alive the love , keep alive the spirit ,no matter what!
It conveys to you that the colour of your sky is up to you. If you want it Pink , Pink it’s going to be !
Score 8 on 10