Monday, November 22, 2010

Udaan, Parental Guidance

Mata Pita Guru Deivam!

This was something that I had heard from my parents often when I was a kid.

Indian culture and mythology is full of lessons in respect for parents. School books reinforce it. There is enough literature and other content which has depiction of parents as strict disciplinarians.

But when in Udaan the psychotic Father instructs his son to call him Sir, just like a junior would refer to his senior in college during ragging days, I thought it was a bit too much.

But then movies are often inspired by life, it is said.

The wristwatch stands testimony to the tyranny that is being passed from one generation to the other in the movie. With your own parents being the biggest influence and with no proper education on parenthood, it is only but natural for a human being to imitate what has been experienced.  

Actually the movie is not as much about the son who suffers, but it is about the father who is caught up with the old-world child rearing. Though he appears callous, there are scenes which have subtle expressions of love for his children. The tormented soul is never able to break the shackles, though.

A very different movie which not everyone will be able to appreciate. Since, I have my own experiences to refer to, I am able to appreciate what has been portrayed.

There are some nice performances. Especially, the tiny younger son!