What Is the Story About?
Zindaginama is an anthology bringing together six stories, directed by six filmmakers with a common theme – an attempt to initiate a healthy conversation around mental health and being sensitive to each other’s needs. Stars Prajakta Koli, Yashaswini Dayama, Lillete Dubey, Shreyas Talpade, Anjali Patil, Shweta Basu Prasad, Priya Bapat, Sumeet Vyas, Mohammad Samad, Shruti Seth, to name a few.
Analysis
Episode 1 – One Plus One
Revolving around twin sisters Maya and Mira, the episode casts light on the latter’s eating disorder and how it wreaks havoc on her mental health. The tale builds the relationship dynamics between the siblings with impressive sensitivity, focusing on a few glimpses of their childhood years, being raised by a single parent and a girl’s unaddressed trauma extending to adulthood.
Directed by Mitakshara Kumar, it captures a new dimension to Prajakta Koli’s repertoire, a welcome departure from her vivacious self on the screen, where she portrays the internal trauma of an eating disorder victim, who fails to confront the monster that has been tormenting her for many years. She’s helped by equally solid performances from Yashaswini Dayama and the ever-dependable Lilette Dubey.
Episode 2 – Swagatam
The episode, set in a small town in Maharashtra, focuses on a schizophrenia patient Mukul and his better half Devaki. Working at a cloth manufacturing firm for a meagre salary, Devaki stands by Mukul through thick and thin. Mukul’s trauma is explored through several everyday situations, where he tries to embrace normalcy. He is in for an embarrassment when he attends a friend’s wedding.
Shreyas Talpade is in top form playing a middle-aged man diagnosed with schizophrenia and brings the character alive through his internalised expressions, silences, body language, prompting the viewer to read between the lines. Anjali Patil is no less a show-stealer as a compassionate partner. Sukriti Tyagi’s attempt to showcase workplace dynamics, sisterhood among workers adds appeal to the story.
Episode 3 – Bhanwar
Helmed by Aditya Sirpotdar, Bhanwar simultaneously taps into the concerns of two married women from different regions – Vaidehi and Namrata, who’re trapped in unhappy relationships where patriarchy, dogmas and superstitions take a toll on their mental health. Namrata’s father takes charge of the situation, as he realises her need for medical help.
The impactful story portrays the rich-poor divide through the optics of mental health. Dealing with a protagonist hailing from a marginalised background, it also functions as an important commentary on the lived reality of women in marriages across decades. Shweta Basu Prasad is fabulous in the short, with Alka Amin, Swaroopa Ghosh, Dayashankar Pandey, Priya Bapat delivering commendable performances too.
Episode 4 – Caged
The episode, directed by Danny Mamik, centres on a transwoman who looks back at her early years (as a boy Raju) in the village Bhaatgaon and her life-changing encounter with an equally disoriented, disillusioned land-owner Keith. Both Raju and Keith bond over their struggles to express themselves in a conservative environment that cages their natural instincts and desires.
The best episode in the anthology by a long stretch, Caged is shot, written and performed beautifully, where the visuals complement the identities, and conflicts of its pivotal characters in finding their place in a not-so-kind world. Sumeet Vyas yet again springs a surprise with his eclectic range as a performer and it’s hard to be not bowled over by the charm, and delicacy in Mohammad Samad’s portrayal.
Episode 5 – Purple Duniya
One of the more unique tales in the anthology directed by Sahaan Hattangadi, the episode revolves around a 30-year-old Raag, who struggles to strike a balance between his personal and professional life. Across conversations with a therapist Pavitra, he opens up on his loneliness and bats for a purple world that thrives in its equality. What explains his fascination for an alternate reality?
While the intent behind the episode is certainly appreciable, the execution doesn’t always complement the ideas. Though there’s an honest effort to explore the protagonist’s issue on a psychological level, it fails to strike a chord emotionally. Both Tanmany Dhanania and Shruti Seth do what it takes to drive the essence of the tale, while they’re only partially successful.
Episode 6 – Daily Puppet Show
Rakhee Sandilya’s film is told through the eyes of a young aspirant filmmaker Sahil, who seeks to make a documentary on a 20s 20-something Lila, an innovative storyteller helping children express themselves through puppet shows. The story elaborates on her tryst with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and how it comes in the way of her romantic escapades.
The storytelling – both the puppet show and the mind games within Lila – is a major highlight of the film that breaks several myths around the portrayal of OCD in mainstream media. Shivani Raghuvanshi and Sayandeep Sengupta share a warm on-screen camaraderie, preserving the essence of the tale with their lively, vibrant performances.
Highlights?
Unique take on mental health
Breaks several myths about disorders
Largely well made, good performances
Drawbacks?
Gets preachy at times
The execution doesn’t always complement the intent
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Zindaginama Series Review by Binged Bureau