Waiting

"Waiting" is a heartfelt 2015 drama film that showcases the depth of human emotions, compassion, and patience under the most testing circumstances. Directed by Anu Menon and starring the versatile Naseeruddin Shah and the dynamic Kalki Koechlin, the film delves into two disparate lives that converge at a place most humans hope never to find themselves in. Co-star Jennifer Antony further adds dimension to the supporting cast, drawing the audience into their poignant journey.

The story unfolds at a hospital where Tara Deshpande (Kalki Koechlin) and Shiv Kumar (Naseeruddin Shah) meet. Both of them are dealing with a personal tragedy; Tara's husband has met with an accident and is comatose, while Shiv’s wife has been in a coma for several months. Two individuals, whose paths might have never crossed under normal circumstances, are now thrust together as they traverse the labyrinth of hope and despair, waiting for their loved ones to wake up.

Tara Deshpande, a new-age, internet-savvy woman is full of life and represents the modern-day city dweller caught in an unforeseen tragedy. Kalki Koechlin brilliantly essays the role of Tara, bringing forth her anguish, confusion, and desperation convincingly. She quotes medical jargons, trawls the internet for information, and holds on to thin threads of hope. Koechlin ensures that the character's optimism and raw emotions shine through, even in the most harrowing of moments.

Shiv Kumar, an elderly man, is a retired professor with a philosophical approach to life. Naseeruddin Shah, resplendent in his portrayal of a loving husband waiting for his wife to wake up, embodies the essence of patience. His character brings out the intricacies and subtleties of his situation with utmost finesse. Shah's character is not one to resort to the internet for hope; instead, he finds comfort in the familiarity of his circumstance. Pain, love, and loneliness are masterfully etched in his performance.

The balance that the film strikes between the young and old, city and small town, impatience and patience, forming part of the movie's charm. The movie effectively relates to its audience how people can form the most unexpected of relationships when faced with grief and uncertainty.

Anu Menon handles the complex narrative with the sensitivity it demands. Her storytelling is fluid and unhurried, just like the process of waiting that her characters endure. Every emotion is subtly portrayed without resorting to melodrama. The film explores human vulnerabilities, resilience, and the dichotomies of life and death with uncanny sincerity.

"Waiting" is not only about endless waiting; it also taps into how life can throw unexpected curveballs, and yet, humans find the strength to keep going. The film beautifully depicts how two people become each other's pillar of support, find solace in each other's tragic stories and form an unlikely bond as they cope with anxiety, heartbreak and lay bare their fears.

The movie also shines a light on the modern healthcare system and the emotional toll it takes on the families of patients. It probes at the ethics and complexities surrounding life-support machines, the limits of medical science, and the big question: is it worth keeping a person alive if their quality of life is compromised?

While the film orbits around Tara and Shiv, the supporting cast, which includes Rajat Kapoor and others, offer noteworthy performances, enhancing the narrative's gravity.

The soundtrack of the movie, composed by Mikey McCleary, complements the narrative perfectly. Lending a melodious backdrop to the story, the music oscillates between soft tunes that linger on and stirring compositions that contribute considerably to the emotional tone of the film.

"Waiting" delivers a powerful message about love, patience, grieving, acceptance, and moving on in poignant yet underplayed tones. It uniquely depicts the harsh realities of life through its portrayal of waiting that could be painful yet filled with hope. The subtlety and realism of the film create a striking balance, making it immensely relatable and empathetically intense.

Ultimately, "Waiting" is an exceptional portrayal of resilience and companionship in the face of life's harshest realities. It's a testament to humanity's innate strength and the bonds it can form amidst grief. It's a cinematic journey that causes reflection, tugs at the heartstrings, and leaves a lasting impact.