Ram Prasad Ki Tehrvi

Ram Prasad Ki Tehrvi is an Indian Hindi-language family drama film that beautifully encapsulates the complex dynamics of a typical middle-class Indian family, heightened by the emotionally charged atmosphere drawn together by the death of a family member. Directed by actor-turned-director Seema Pahwa in her debut directorial venture, and produced by Jio Studios and Drishyam Films, the movie showcases a slew of consummate actors that include Supriya Pathak, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Parambrata Chattopadhyay, with Pahwa herself performing a supporting role.

Set in a small town of North India, the movie is centred on the Bharadwaj family, who gathers for 13 days to mourn the death of the patriarch, Ram Prasad (played by Naseeruddin Shah). Ram Prasad’s demise triggers a ‘Tehrvi’ – a traditional Hindu mourning period - during which the family must live together in the ancestral home, navigating their personal dynamics while adhering to their responsibilities. The title 'Tehrvi' refers to the 13th day after the death, when the family, according to Hindu rituals, hosts a function to release the soul and complete its journey from death to the afterlife.

The Bharadwaj family encapsulates a microcosm of modern-day society where everyone is dealing with their individual issues. From ego clashes, suppressed emotions, unsaid hurt to malicious gossip – the house in the aftermath of Ram Prasad’s death becomes a hotbed for simmering tensions and petty squabbles. Every family member has unique archetypes and worldly wisdom, giving the story a vibrant palette of characters, each with their own layered and nuanced depth.

The matriarch of the house, Amma, is portrayed wonderfully by Supriya Pathak, who provides a stubborn yet touching look at a woman trying to keep her family united whilst dealing with the grief of her husband's death. Konkona Sen Sharma's and Parambrata Chattopadhyay's characters, as the daughter and son-in-law respectively, are the rational voices amidst the cacophony of competing egos and personalities.

One of the film's most refreshing aspects is that none of the characters are idealized spectacles but rather everyday individuals with their quirks, flaws, and virtues. It brings to the forefront the robust Indian tradition of living in joint families, which, despite being constantly challenged by modern life perspectives, still retains a sense of unity and strength. The film successfully demonstrates how the dynamics within such families are double-edged - while being a constant source of comfort, they also serve as wells of disagreement and discontentment.

The screenplay of 'Ram Prasad Ki Tehrvi' unfolds through nuanced writing and superb acting, transforming each moment into a relatable episode for the viewers. It bears a thin line between sparkling humour, often seen in colourful Indian family gatherings, and the melancholy ambience permeating the house due to the mourning. It’s not just the story of a man's death, but the life that ensues after he leaves the world, encompassing the emotional, financial and social aftermath.

Seema Pahwa’s compelling directorial style allows the audience to feel like a silent observer within the household – watching, registering and connecting with the happenings in the house. Powerful performances by a stellar cast, razor-sharp dialogue delivery, situational comedy, and a gripping storyline make this movie a worthwhile watch.

The cinematography beautifully depicts the confined spaces within an ancestral home, intensifying the sense of underlying tension within the family. The film uses subtle imagery and metaphors, often borrowed from everyday life, to reflect on bigger themes such as life, death, family, relationships, and societal norms.

The background score is perfectly accentuating the various moods throughout the film, often oscillating between sombreness and gentle humour. Sachin Sanghvi's music doesn't overwhelm the narrative but subtly enhances the story’s emotional landscape.

'Ram Prasad Ki Tehrvi' is a mirror to the society we live in - reflecting on the ephemeral nature of life and death, testing bonds of love and patience, on the backdrop of a middle-class Indian family. It is a warm, heartfelt, and poignant tale that leaves one introspective long after the credits roll.