One of life's inevitable truths is that our parents will become old and they will pass away. It is a truth I am scared of, and do not want to think about at all. The affecting feature film Alaav, directed by Prabhash Chandra, made me sit with that reality with a lens so uncompromising and astute that I almost wanted to look away. It is a feature that blurs the line between documentary and fiction, telling the story of an old man caring for his 90-something-year-old mother all by himself. (Also read: Ebb movie review: A provocative film from Jeo Baby that takes aim at relationships and male hypocrisy)
Alaav played at the International Film Festival of Kerala.
The realities of caregiving
The action unfolds largely in the absence of it, as Chandra firmly positions long sequences of Bhaveen Gossain taking care of his mother, Savitri. He feeds her, sits beside her on the bed and eats by himself, and asks her if she remembers his name. During the day, he also takes out time to practise the sitar, faltering on some notes and then starting afresh. The film suggests that taking care is a form of sadhana in itself; it requires an unwavering sense of commitment and discipline that not everyone can face.
Alaav is a film that never tells Gossain to hurry up and get going. It never instructs him to do his job well, or in a manner which it might always come across as pleasing and self-fulfilling. Because, in the quietest and most unflinchingly honest moments, Alaav carefully watches over the detachment that this middle-aged man has to live with. He wants to take care, but he also does not know any better. It is just his responsibility, yet there is also devastation.
One of the film's most unforgettable moments occurs as Gossain tries to help his mother use the restroom. Vikas Urs' sensitive camerawork never intrudes too closely, observing the uncomfortable realities of caregiving with overwhelming care and attention. I was moved to tears. This is a film that wants you to sit, to accompany Bhavain in every moment. There is no trace of ego here, and in a largely performative world built on appearances and facades, Alaav infuses value to this humane offering of love without ever spelling it out.
A love letter to caregivers everywhere
This is a film about the love that remains, the one that stays between parents and their children. Alaav demonstrates with utmost clarity what it truly means to take care of and be responsible for one's parents. It is a love letter to caregivers and the magnitude of heart they have to offer. You stay with Bhavain, and you feel for him, truly and deeply. Alaav ensures it is never merciless towards him, that it never exploits his story behind closed doors. It is an indelible, deeply moving film.
Santanu Das is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 5 years of experience, writing on films, pop culture and film festivals. He has a keen interest in writing about South Asian independent films and has covered several film festivals, including Sundance and CPH: Docx. He also brings a sharp perspective to the monthly column called The Fault in Our Stars, where he writes about a recent film/series and what stops the ‘good’ from becoming ‘great’.
A gold medalist from Banaras Hindu University, Santanu completed his postgraduate studies in English from Jadavpur University. He is also a Rotten Tomatoes-certified film critic. When not watching films or speaking to celebrities, Santanu can be found reading a book. Some of his favourite films are Aparajito, Ponyo and The Double Life of Veronique. His favourite books include The Corrections, The God of Small Things and A Room of One's Own.
Santanu continues to write passionately about films and celebrity culture. He brings a relatable, as well as critically informed, lens to entertainment and culture for a wide audience.
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