Anjali

Anjali is a 1990 Indian Tamil-language film written, produced, and directed by Mani Ratnam. The film pivoted on bringing to fore a topic close to human emotions that was rarely discussed in mainstream cinema of the time. It was a bold execution by Ratnam of an unusual narrative that was brought to life by an immersive, powerful, and heart-wrenching performance from lead actors Shamili, Revathi, and Raghuvaran.

The story is a fascinating blend of family drama and psychological resonance. It takes us into the nitty-gritty of a loving family, where each character has been beautifully brought to life, including the innocent and adorable little girl Anjali, played by Shamili, who singlehandedly stole the show with her delightful performance.

Anjali is a young girl who is mentally challenged with a grim prognosis for her life expectancy; the reality that parents (played by Revathi and Raghuvaran) try to protect their other two children from. Revathi and Raghuvaran give life to their characters as caring, loving, and protective parents, their on-screen chemistry sparking authenticity to their struggle of realizing the true condition of their youngest child.

The narrative of the film unfurls beautifully in a way that highlights the purity and innocence of the children. Ratnam deserves a round of applause for his craftsmanship in directing the character of Anjali, and of course, the phenomenal performance by the child artist Shamili, who with her mesmerizing and innocent portrayal touched the hearts of the audience. Although the film is critically acclaimed for its emotional depth, it also manages to encapsulate a range of emotions in lighter, more joyful moments.

Raghuvaran’s character stands out as the loving father who clings to the hope that his daughter, Anjali, will survive her condition despite the bleak medical prognosis. His performance holds a solidity that gels perfectly with Revathi’s caring and emotional portrayal of the saddened yet determined mother who holds the family together during their turbulent period.

The film also benefited from its splendid technical aspects. The cinematography is atmospheric and impactful, elevating every scene from the common and ordinary to the exceptional. The music, composed by maestro Ilaiyaraaja, is a blend of heartrending melodies and cheerful themes that make the movie a thorough enjoyable audio-visual experience.

The film marked itself as one of the classics of the Tamil film industry for the remarkable manner it encompassed social issues in its narrative. It was not just about showcasing the protagonist's disabilities but also about understanding them from the arc of a parent’s perspective. Facing and accepting the truth bravely is what the shouldered theme was about, apart from beautifully encompassing the messages of love, acceptance, and living every moment.

Profoundly moving and heart-touching, the film Anjali remains a poignant exploration of love, loss, acceptance, and human spirit. This story, loaded with simple yet potent moments, is raw and real as Ratnam’s artistry has the power to excite and educate, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a film that hums a different tune while touching upon the canvas of life’s constants - childhood innocence, loss, family bonds, and the resilience of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

The film was not only critically acclaimed but received several awards, including three National Film Awards. It was India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 1991 Oscars. Its novel narrative style, sensitive portrayal of the characters, the brilliant performances by the cast, the heart-touching narrative, and beautiful music make Anjali a masterpiece worth witnessing.