- Date of Release: 10 October 2024
- Genre: Drama
- Language: Hindi
- Watch On: SonyLiv
- Credit Line: Applause Entertainment presents Zindaginama, An AntiMatter production, Conceptualised by Mpower
Zindaginama
Introduction
With the onset of the social media generation, one of the key byproducts that has emerged for discussion has been of mental health. This is not to say that the origin of several mental issues is due to the social media, but it definitely has triggered a discussion around the same. Depression, a word that is so loosely used these days, does in fact have a deep notion that just cannot be dismissed. Having gone through it myself and lived to tell a tale, I can surely vouch for the severity of this issue that has an upswing in people around me. Hence, it is important to be empathetic and ask the person to seek professional help, even though it might initially be met with a lot of resistance. Mental health is of utmost importance and I cannot emphasize on it more. And come this World Mental Health Day (10th Oct 2024), SonyLiv did come up with their new anthology show – a collection of 6 stories that would highlight the different facets of mental health. The different mental issues that are addressed here are used as a thread with a little information card at the end to raise awareness. And I cannot emphasize as to how important this anthology remains in today’s times wherein suicides have been at an all time high. The gentle deconstruction of the various mental issues was a sight to behold in each of the stories here…
Swagatam
A story of a man behaving indifferently even as his ever so supporting wife jostles to take good care of him. This until a wedding invitation briefly alters their lives for the worse. The writing here might be centered around a man suffering from Schizophrenia, an illness associated with the unpredictability of human behavior, it also takes into account the mental toll that transpires on the person taking care of the patient. And hence, the mental illness issue unfolds in a dual role even as you are invested in the respective journeys of the two protagonists, and how the character of the wife holds fort against all odds. The issue of Schizophrenia is only revealed towards the tapering reels of the short, while offering an outsider’s perspective on the behavior of the protagonist. This commentary that is extended to his friend, also acts as a mirror for the society on how such patients are treated, often calling them as ‘pagal’, a derogatory term of sorts. I did like how there was hope at the end that left you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Director Sukriti Tyagi does a fine job in offering an empathetic outlook to the proceedings. The performances are excellent by Annapurna Soni, Aakanksha Gade, Boloram Das, Sonal Jha and Manasi Kulkarni. But the two stars of the show are Shreyas Talpade and Anjali Patil, two seasoned actors that feed off energy between themselves and make for a memorable outing. This short is simplistic yet supremely relevant.
Rating: 3.5/5
Caged
Probably my most favourite short out of the 6, the story here follows an uncanny connection that develops between two drastically different individuals in terms of the stratas of the society, who in fact are quite similar to one another. The best part about the writing here is the calming influence that it has to offer in not trying hard to highlight the issue at hand here. This is particularly true with regard to a character who is deemed a misfit by his peers even while dealing with the conflict of wanting to pursue literature while being pressurized to take up medicine by his parents. The setting here plays an important role here given the amount of awareness that needs to spread in smaller centers with respect to the mental illness. I liked how a budding friendship is devoid of any attachments, almost being liberating in many ways, something that is reflected with its ending too. Director Danny Mamik does an incredibly good job in keeping things understated while never letting go of the core focus in the drama. Mohammad Samad and Sumeet Vyas are such prolific actors who add a lot of soul to their performances that are supremely emotional and heartfelt. This short comes with my highest recommendation.
Rating: 4/5
Bhanwar
The story of a person suffering from panic attacks due to a childhood trauma, and in the process being in a state of depression. This illness is one of the most common issues with regard to mental health, and it was wonderfully reflected here. Two parallel tracks kick start the narrative that also allows the mental illness to unfold in different era. The distinction of the treatment with regard to the mental illness is nicely highlighted by linking it to superstition, something that is shown to spill in the current timeline too. This was particularly gut-wrenching given that the awareness of a common issue of depression is still not discussed, even as the writing offers a nice little commentary on it. I did feel at times that the tone of the drama was a touch loud, but it definitely did leave a resounding impact as far as the trajectory of the drama went along. Director Aditya Sarpotdar does an excellent job in weaving a solid tale around a childhood trauma, even while highlighting the importance of seeking professional help and raising awareness around it. Alka Amin and Dayashankar Pandey manage to leave a mark. Seasoned actors like Priya Bapat and Swaroopa Ghosh are excellent here in their contrasting roles. Shweta Basu Prasad delivers a gut-wrenching performance that not only allows you to be empathetic but also moves you to the core. This short makes for a wonderfully relevant watch.
Rating: 3.5/5
The Daily Puppet Show
A story of a girl suffering from OCD who reluctantly falls in love with a charming guy until her disorder threatens to ruin their relationship. When it does come to OCD, we often associate with a physical obsessive disorder without attributing it to the mental ‘demons’ that are in play. Even the panic attacks are at times a part of an OCD that is lesser discussed. And I did like that the same issue was addressed quite well here. My only little gripe with the tale was that the focus here was more on the love story with the mental issue just being used as a catalyst, as opposed to the other way around. Director Rakhee Sandilya does a decent job here while highlighting the lesser known facet of an OCD pretty well. Veenah Nair, Sharvari Deshpande and Sayandeep Sen are wonderful to witness here. Shivani Raghuvanshi is brilliant and uses her body language to perfection to showcase the turmoil of her character. This short definitely did amount to a sweet and heartfelt watch.
Rating: 3/5
One Plus One
The story of an inferiority complex originating in a young mind that potentially scars her for life, even as you are witness to an eating disorder of hers that soon becomes an addiction. The writing here addresses one of the most well-known commodities of mental health – an eating disorder, while also be cautious reflective of the consequences that we see with regard to the protagonist here. It is often a very subtle hint that is provided about her eating habits, that is easy to overlook. And one of the reasons of anorexia is in fact stemming from social media, an aspect that wasn’t touched upon in the short. When appearance is everything what sells in the virtual world coupled with the stray comments that one is subjected to in childhood or otherwise (as showcased in the short), this drama is brilliantly relevant. Director Mitakshara Kumar meticulously addresses an important issue while maintaining the tonality of things not being exclusive (given that it can happen to anyone), even while adding a sensitivity to the unfolding drama. Lilette Dubey, Yashaswini Dayama and Prajakta Koli are wonderful performers here that they leave a lasting impact. This short makes for a rather solid watch.
Rating: 3/5
Purple Duniya
The story of a man who seems like a happy person to the outside world but does have his set of issues that he rarely opens up to. This until his sessions with a therapist reveals a lot of startling details. Often depression as we call it, isn’t just subjected to a single issue but is in fact an amalgamation of many things that mounts within you. Here, you see a protagonist who is devoid of any appreciations at his previous work place that has resulted in him losing his job and his fiance breaking off their wedding for unknown reasons to name a few. And hence, the idea of addiction with respect to gaming becomes all the more obvious given that it offers a sense of achievement. So here, you are witness to the protagonist moving away from reality which was a dangerous notion of sorts (imagine if someone turns violent in reality, thinking that it is a video game). I must admit that I wasn’t as aware of this type of mental health issue, and the short did offer a whole new perspective that was reflective and disturbing, both at the same time. Director Sahaan does add some zing to the narrative that is backed by sharply contrasting vibrant beats, almost indicative of the demographics that fall prey to this kind of illness. The direction is pretty solid here. Shruti Seth, Urmila Kothare and Manasi Rachh offer commendable performances. Tanmay Dhanania comes across as a pleasant personality but he highlights his vulnerability in a rather subtle manner. He was terrific to witness here. This short raises awareness on an important but lesser known mental issue that will continue to stay relevant in times to come.
Rating: 3.5/5
Conclusion
Zindaginama offers a gentle deconstruction of mental health through 6 little gems that makes for a relevant watch overall. In times of thrillers, this anthology is a refreshing breath of fresh air while touching upon several mental issues that offer a searing perspective. Available on SonyLiv!
