Directed by Shonali Bose

Produced by Bedabrata Pain

The protagonist of Amu – Kajori Roy had the choice of ignoring her past and continuing to live her cushy, comfortable life. Instead she says – “I don’t want to know but I can’t help it.” On a visit to India after 18 years she stumbles upon signs from her past which had almost completely vanished from her memory. A visit to the slums of Delhi trigger a slew of questions about her past as things seem mysteriously familiar. This isn’t a Bollywood movie. It’s made by Shonali Bose, an Indian filmmaker born and raised in India, but residing in LA. It’s bilingual – Bengali (with subtitles) and English. Amu is a film born out of deep anguish and sincere commitment to the subject of burying our past in fear of facing the truth. You can tell that it’s made by someone who has first hand experience of witnessing the riots.

Story/plot – 21 year old Amu, a UCLA graduate visits India, her birthplace to get in touch with her roots. But her quest to see the ‘real’India turns into a quest to find out who she is, who are her birth parents and answers lie in the events of the 1984 riots when people of the Sikh faith were massacred. The movie is about the long term effects of such ethnic cleansing riots and not confronting them head on. While many details are conveniently swept away, there are some things that haunt some of us for the rest of our lives till we find the truth. As you embark on this journey with Amu, you get more and more involved in the process, almost like a thriller movie. And pieces of her story fall in place like a jigsaw puzzle. Amu’s journey brings back demons from the past that still haunt people who were directly impacted by the riots.     

Cast - Konkona Sen Sharma is a winner, as Kaju. She captures emotions of anger, fear and curiosity with maturity. She is a joy to watch – exuding the wide-eyed innocence of someone who’s visiting India for the very first time in her youth. And the anger and frustration of someone who has been lied to her whole life. Konkona has what it takes. First time actress Brinda Karat has a luminous presence and radiates genuine warmth as Kaju’s mother. Kaju’s boyfriend to me was overshadowed by Konkona’s powerful presence. Although I did enjoy the slight romantic diversion. It was really nice to see Loveleen Mishra back on screen.  

Music – I thought there was excellent use of background music to heighten emotions. Check out the scene when things from the past are haunting Amu. Really effective use of tabla.

Special mention – the ending where Amu is among the slum kids, feeling at home. The riot scenes are not gory. The movie dares to do what many holding authoritative positions have failed to do. It’s a film made by a woman social activist and speaks to everyone across the world, about the effects of ‘conveniently’ forgetting the aftermath of man-made calamities like riots and moving on with our lives.  

Aesthetics – great use of lighting. Especially when Amu’s mother is telling her the story of her past, the play of light and shadows is magical. Kudos to Ayesha Punvani for really authentic sets that made the film so real.

My two Cents – yes, this is a good film for a thesis project. But it’s more than just that. It makes you feel happy for Amu. But it also makes you pause and think. And I believe that’s what Bose aimed for to begin with. This film speaks to everyone in these modern times who feels deeply against man-made riots and terrorism. It cannot be better timed. Watch it and who knows, you might find some answers of your own.