Astu - So Be It

Astu - So Be It is a critically acclaimed Indian film released in 2013 directed by Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukthankar. The film bridges the gap between the commercial blockbuster and an offbeat cinema by addressing an essential social issue in a captivating manner. The storyline centers around the life of Mr. Shastri, an old Sanskrit scholar, acted by Mohan Agashe, a personality, who’s famous for his tremendous acting expertise in both the Bollywood and Marathi cinema. The role of Shastri’s compassionate daughter is played by the brilliant Ila Bhate. A sub-plot involves a young girl played by Amruta Subhash, while a newcomer, Om Bhutkar, plays the role of a responsible and understanding male protagonist.

The film showcases a profound, human story, underlined with rich psychological undertones. Shastri, the protagonist, suffers from a progressing case of Alzheimer's disease. The struggles and vulnerabilities of Shastri provide a raw and personal peek into the lives of those dealing with this mental condition. As viewers watch and empathize with his progressive memory loss, it generates both an uncomfortable reality-check and a newfound sympathy for those with Alzheimer’s.

The ancient wisdom and insight of Shastri being juxtaposed with the modern world's cold indifference and the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's provides a mystifying narrative. Mohan Agashe's character walks away from his orderly city life which adds to his dilemma and ends up roaming aimlessly around the city. His dissociative state sometimes presents him as a wanderer and at times, an intoxicated poet lending a unique complexity to his character. The directors carefully handle the protagonist's transition with subtle nuances that are heart-rendering and equally captivating.

With her father missing, Ila Bhate's character is presented to the audience as a woman going through a roller-coaster of emotions battling tension, confusion, and anxiety. Ila, alongside her on-screen husband, makes for a compelling emotional subplot touching the viewer’s hearts. Similarly, the characters of a young girl and her aggressive father portrayed by Om Bhutkar and Milind Soman respectively leave a significant impact on the narrative and lend a touching depth to the storyline.

'Astu - So Be It' derives its poignant title from Sanskrit literature, translating to 'So Be It' and reflecting a philosophical and accepting outlook towards life. This very attitude towards life and its unpredictable fluctuations are beautifully echoed throughout the storyline.

The film is set against the backdrop of Pune, beautifully mingling the traditional aura of the city with its developed skyline. The entire movie is shot with a delicate aesthetic appeal that makes it a visual delight for the viewers. It profoundly mirrors the despair and emptiness of Shastri’s mind into the empty, winding city lanes and vice-versa, enhancing the effectiveness of the narration.

Moreover, the exceptional screenplay enhances the cinematic experience twofold. It is seamlessly structured and plays out in a way that focuses on the contemporary relevance of the human condition. The subtle touches like Shastri’s fixation on elephants provide depth, symbolism and poetic connections to the plot. The film’s background score amplifies the overall emotive impact, soothing and inciting feelings as the story progresses.

Offbeat and independent cinema has always been the platform where content rules over everything else, and 'Astu - So Be It' is no exception. More importantly, the movie celebrates the triumphs of human spirit and resilience, despite memory loss and the trials faced by those who care about them. It offers an authentic and empathetic portrayal of life with Alzheimer's Disease, not just focusing on the protagonist's journey but showing how the larger community and family also navigate and cope with it.

To conclude, 'Astu - So Be It' is a well-rounded cinematic gem that successfully interweaves a soul-touching storyline with subtle psychological layers. The honest performances bring to life the deeply human struggles and shared experiences of the characters which connects the audience without trying too hard. It not only educates about a crucial social issue but also manages to stir emotions and garner applause from every quarter. This film is undoubtedly a must-watch for anyone interested in a mindful cinema that touches the heart and manifests the stark truth about our society's frailties and strengths.