AMU - A film that sets out to question justice
Cinema has the power to take us in to the future as well as in the past. It can move us, shake our souls, and paralyze our hearts all at once. It’s rare for a filmmaker to use this platform to create a movement. Debutant director Shonali Bose pens and directs a script on what the Indian government doesn’t want this generation to remember or know. Winner of 2 national awards, take a look at the featured review of AMU.
In a commencement address to the Harvard University class of 2007 Bill Gates stated, “All of us here, at one time or another, have seen human tragedies that broke our hearts, and yet we did nothing -- not because we didn't care, but because we didn't know what to do. If we had known how to help, we would have acted”. Director Shonali Bose exemplifies how she turned care in to action through her film AMU. In an effort to address the inequities of the Indian bureaucracy and point out how justice has yet to be served, she uncovers how the system cheated not just one sect but all Indians during the 1984 riots that followed Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
A present day Indian American UCLA grad revisits her roots and discovers how a silenced genocide tore her apart from her family. Brilliantly penned, as writer, Shonali Bose, beautifully marries historical facts to a suspenseful script. In the many ways this episode could have been relayed to audiences she chooses to connect with the emotions of humor, love, joy, and inevitably - sorrow. Surprisingly the film kicks off with a light tone and intensifies as it progresses.
The characters give the film a heartbeat. Where most films focus on the protagonist, Bose ensures character artists aren’t neglected. Each extra emotes as needed for impact.
Konkona Sen Sharma enacts with competence, ably filling the shoes of her blended Indian-American character. Ankur Khanna is apt. Brinda Karat is refreshing and full of conviction. Yashpal Sharma and Lovleen Mishra are gold-star performers. Ganeve Rajkotia is pivotal in her small but hugely relevant role.
Technically, the film originally released in 2005, is of top-notch quality. Superior cinematography, authentic sets, and great sound-recording are its strengths. Audio/visual effects are up to par. Editing is on point for the most part. Symbolism has been intelligently incorporated, with a train representative of movement and a kite of hope.
A well made film, what goes against it is simply its power. The impact and reactions it may evoke are debatable, as are the fact vs. fiction ratio surrounding the matter. Also, unlike a “Rang De Basanti” that reached mass audiences in a playful manner, AMU does not have the commercial elements to appease the masses. However its not to say it can’t reach audiences far and wide to create ripples of activism, as it does have elements that connect with the young and old alike. A superb debut film, AMU earns a respectable 4 stars.
Many times when a film’s endorsed by celebrities you wonder if it’s just a PR gimmick to create hype and boost box-office sales. But with AMU, when forthright celebrities like Aamir Khan, seasoned senior film-makers as Shyam Benegal, and proven peers like Deepa Mehta and Mira Nair, all share the same sentiments; you know it’s the real thing! There are no two opinions about it - Amu is a must see film! I strongly encourage everyone get out there to watch AMU to form your own opinion. There’s no endorsement like viewer endorsement. Support this honest effort and reward yourself with this inspiring film!