Adrija Kundu

Ananth Mahadevan’s latest directorial venture, Life is Good, is a homage to the ephemeral moments of tenderness we discover in others and the ensuing grief felt when it’s lost. The film leaves you with a feeling of dewy morning, much like Iranian cinema, with moments of everyday life that portray a larger reality. Written by Sujit Sen, Life is Good is a fable of poetic intensity that revolves around a forlorn middle aged man living a quiet life in the hills. Rameshwar, played by Jackie Shroff, is mourning the passing of his mother. Grappling with depression, he’s ready to take his life, just when the universe steps in. A six year old Mishti (played by Saniya Anklesaria, Ananya Vij and Ankita Shrivastava), his new neighbour walks in, and her playful bantering gives Rameshwar a new lease of life. Over a course of 15 years, Rameshwar and Mishti form an unbreakable bond that continues till she gets married and leaves for Chicago. An unforeseen tragedy strikes and Rameshwar is left to handle the aftermath by himself. The nuanced storyline explores the fundamental nature of human existence and the inherent art of letting go. To categorise the film as an ‘emotional’ drama would be overly simplistic; it is life as we know it. You might anticipate an epic climax or a sweeping narrative but the film doesn’t give you that. In fact, it gives you something even better - a beautiful rendered encapsulation of the trials and suspense of life and death. Mahadevan’s distinct humanist touch and poetic style reflected in this film is noteworthy. The lyrical beauty with which he portrays the subtle nuances of daily life is replete with a sense of meditative calm, grief, introspection and emotional negotiation. Cinematographer Alphonse Roy has done a remarkable job capturing the wonder the life in hills can contain. Each frame is laced with a tenderness so profound, that it compels the audience to be a part of Rameshwar’s universe. Jackie Shroff has given one of his career’s best performance in this drama. His acting is sensitive, profound and balanced. Shroff’s subtle, almost palpable emotions move the audience to tears. The film is a poignant exploration of solitude, heartbreak, yearning and hope, that urges you to value the dignity of death as much as the dignity of life. It offers a fresh outlook on life and serves as a gentle reminder to the audience that even the darkest moments will herald a new beginning.