Milestone

Milestone is a captivating 2020 drama film directed and written by the talented Ivan Ayr. With a talented cast consisting of Mohinder Gujral, Pavitra Mattoo, and Lakshvir Saran, the movie showcases the precarious life of a seasoned truck driver grappling with personal grief and professional rigors in the harsh realities of modern India.

Set in strikingly beautiful Delhi, India, the film navigates through the life of Ghalib, impressively portrayed by Suvinder Vicky. Ghalib is a seasoned truck driver who struggles with a personal tragedy and professional challenges. With over five lakh kilometers behind him, Ghalib is a dedicated driver who takes pride in his work. His grueling life on the roads takes a heavy toll on his mental and physical well-being. However, his commitment to his work is uncompromised.

The emotional tenor of the movie is intensified by the impeccable performance of Mohinder Gujral as Ghalib's wife. She plays the role of a grieving woman trying to cope with the loss of their only child. Pavitra Mattoo also delights with her sensitive portrayal.

Amidst his personal struggles, Ghalib is forced to combat a professional challenge. His milestone truck driving record is threatened when the company introduces a young, energetic driver, represented by Lakshvir Saran. This adds another dynamic to the plot as Ghalib grapples with the brutal fact of getting phased out by someone younger and more energetic. His struggle to deal with these changes in his life forms the crux of the movie.

Milestone is not just a film; it's a profound commentary on human vulnerability, resilience, and the stark realities of life. The director, through his powerful storytelling and emotive performances from his actors, subtly handles themes ranging from alienation, solitude, and the struggles of keeping oneself relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Ayr's remarkable storytelling ability is displayed as he showcases the raw reality of life. The film is a rare gem that focuses on character development over a complex plot, meticulously blending emotion and drama with cinematic ambiance. With its minimalist film design, it's a testament to Ayr's unique ability to paint a vivid portrait of a common man's life filled with impossible struggles and challenges.

His depiction of Ghalib's life is incredibly raw and mercilessly real. The stark contrast between his turbulent inner turmoil contrasted with the monotonous daily life on the outskirts of a bustling city brings a unique perspective on resilience and acceptance. Ayr's choice to delve into the depths of Ghalib's life, his past, his battles, and his stoicism in dealing with his challenges, adds a raw, human element that captivates the audience.

Despite the melancholic tone, Milestone is also a testimony to resilience in the face of insurmountable odds. It pushes the audience towards a reflexive introspection of their views on life, grief, loss, and survival. The film portrays a realistic, relatable struggle of a common man, making it an instant conversation starter about societal structures, corporate tyranny, workplace fatigue, aging, and generally about change and the inevitability of time.

Milestone beautifully captures the Indo-Gangetic landscape, contributing to the cinema's realistic aesthetic, making the audience intimately familiar with the characters and their world. The cinematography by Angello Faccini is indeed deserving of applause, capturing each scene's essence and successfully invoking the viewer’s empathy.

The beauty of Milestone is in its compelling portrayal of resilience, human fragility, adaptation, and survival. It's colored with poignant elements of sorrow, yet blocks of hope. With Ivan Ayr's directorial prowess, the enchanting performances by Mohinder Gujral, Pavitra Mattoo, and Lakshvir Saran, Milestone is indeed, a noteworthy film not just to watch, but to experience. The film is a testament to the enduring spirit of the human experience. It's a quiet, thoughtful movie that speaks volumes about life and survival in silence.