‘Adheen’ - The choice between selfishness and selflessness!

By Bakhtawar Ahmed

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When I first heard about this film I wanted to know the meaning of its name. ‘Adheen,’ quite a different word it is than our casual vocabulary! Read along and you'll get to know. Then I saw some amazing names in the cast of this short film. ‘Adheen’ is a short film by Royal Stag Banners Large Short Films directed by Yash Verma starring Sanjay Mishra, Anupriya Goenka and Neeraj Purohit.

The film starts with Vir (played by Neeraj Purohit), who has come home leaving his very important meeting, along with his sister Meera (Anupriya Goenka). Both of them look worried as they enter their parents’ home and start looking for their father. Rajendra (Sanjay Mishra) is in kitchen prepping some “kheer” for his children. It seems like he is expecting them to be home.

This not-so-happy family reunion is the opening scene, set in an older looking house with picture frames hanging on the walls and some old furniture resting in dust. The air is filled with the emotions of a seemingly-tired father. 

Finding him in good health, both of the children are surprised and angry at their father for faking his sickness and calling them home. There is the relationship of conflict between the parents and children. It’s quite usual isn’t it? The two grown up siblings who are busy with their fast track lives, have no time for their parents. Then there is the father who is old and alone, living with his terminally ill wife who is bed ridden for over seven years, yes! This is the central storyline of Adheen. 

Vir and Meera do not even bother to go see their mother. The two of them are continuously fighting over same old things; blaming each other, ignoring their responsibilities and justifying their own actions. Vir is annoyed with his sister’s professional and personal life yet Meera has same thoughts for him.

Rajendra gets his children to meet their ill mother. Vir cannot bear his mother’s suffering while Meera, busy lecturing her brother about family and morals, is still angry at her mother for throwing her out of the house at a young because of her homosexual relationship.

The father has reached a breaking point after taking care of his wife for years. Rajendra has taken a stand for the first time in his life, a life-altering decision. He now has lost his hope and has chosen to leave everything. He has now chosen his independence.

‘Adheen’ means the dependant, a person who relies on his family members for the support. That day, Rajendra chooses to set him free from being responsible of taking care of his wife all alone. He decides to leave everything and to set four lives free.

Adheen depicts the current situation of the society we are living in.  The central storyline touches the issue of long term care, the different aspects such as homosexuality, parental rejection, irresponsibility, loneliness and carelessness. It gives us a glimpse into issues such as the role of family members as caregivers, abandonment, and consideration of old age homes, being practical and thinking about the expenses.

Adheen asks you a very simple question. What would you choose, being selfish or selflessness? After 25 minutes you are forced to ask yourself a question that what is the meaning of love in a family? How much do you love your parents and how do you really care for them? 

The abrupt ending of the film might leave you uncomfortable. It is just the emotions and expressions that leaves you with the thought that what their decision will be?

The emotionally-heavy song with the heart touching lyrics is being played in the end of the film, adding a depth to father’s situation. The ending is justifiably open as a question to all us.

Sanjay Mishra, after incredible performances in Masaan and Aankhon Dekhi, has once again delivered a powerful performance in his role. Young and talented actors Anupriya Goenka and Neeraj Purohit have done complete justice with their roles. Director Yash Verma has remarkably delivered a powerful and emotional story. I must say Adheen is a film that’s going to stay in your mind and heart with its emotional impact.