Three of Us: A Poignant Voyage through Dementia, Loss and Forgiveness
Having watched this recently released film on Netflix, I could not stop myself from writing a movie review so that more people could experience this beautiful work. “The Three of Us” is a heart-rending Hindi drama film directed by Avinash Arun. Within 105 minutes, the film brilliantly conveys the emotional complexities of dementia, how it affects relationships, and confronting the past.
Film Specifications:
Director – Avinash Arun
Main Cast – Shefali Shah , Jaideep Ahlawat, Swananad Kirkire
Writers -Avinash Arun, Arpita Chatterjee, Omkar Achyut BarveLanguage – Hindi
Genre – Drama, Emotional, Sentimental
The Cast of “Three of Us “
- Shefali Shah delivers a phenomenal performance as Shailaja, a woman grappling with early-onset dementia. Her nuanced portrayal of confusion, vulnerability, and resilience is one of the film’s strongest elements.She astutely portrays the flitting expression of disappearing from the realm of consciousness and then coming back to awareness in a matter of seconds.
- Swanand Kirkire shines as Dipankar, Shailaja’s loving husband struggles to come to terms with her illness and his own evolving role in their relationship, more so when he is confronted with her past.
- Jaideep Ahlawat brings quiet intensity to the role of Pradip Kamat, Shailaja’s childhood sweetheart and a symbol of the innocent and lively past she is slowly losing.His restrained exasperation and compassion is moving.
Plot of the movie – Three of Us
Shailaja’s increasingly blurred memories and fading grasp on reality prompts her to embark on a trip with Dipankar to her childhood town, Vengurla in Konkan. As she navigates the familiar yet seemingly foreign streets, old sweet and bitter memories resurface, forcing her to confront a long-held secret and mend bridges with Pradip. The film unfolds as a delicate interplay between past and present, weaving in flashbacks that illuminate Shailaja’s youthful romance and the tragic event that forever altered her life.
Music and Soundscape
Alokananda Dasgupta’s haunting score perfectly complements the film’s melancholic tone. The music seamlessly blends into the narrative, emphasizing emotional crescendos and quiet moments of introspection. The gentle sway of Konkani folk tunes and the atmospheric sounds of the beach add another layer of depth and texture making it an immersive experience.
Highlights of this film
- The unrushed pace allows the characters and their emotions to breathe, resulting in a deeply affecting experience.
- The film tackles the often-ignored subject of dementia with sensitivity and realism, it sparkles with a strong quiet fortitude avoiding melodramatic clichés.
- The complex dynamics between the three characters – Shailaja, Dipankar, and Pradip – are both emotionally charged and delicately nuanced.
- The stunning visuals of Vengurla’s coastline serve as a poignant backdrop to the film’s exploration of memory and loss.
- There are three people in love here but no crowding.Everyone accepts their role with surprising grace.
Subject and Theme
“The Three of Us” delves into the profound themes of graduating memory loss, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love. It explores the fragility of human connection and the challenges of facing mortality, urging viewers to cherish the present while acknowledging the ghosts of the past. When Shailaja says ” I will forget”, with a finality, Pradip gives her an adoring and assuring smile and says ” I will remember (you)” which calms her and becomes a turning point in the narrative.
My take on Three of Us
“The Three of Us” is a beautifully crafted film that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. With its stellar performances, evocative music, and poignant exploration of human mortality and relationships, it is a must-watch for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and deeply moving cinematic experience. It is not just a movie about dementia; it is a timeless story about love, loss, and finding acceptance in the face of the unknown.
Even though ” Three of us ” deals with a negative theme , it is a powerful and positive film and should be watched by anyone who appreciates good cinema and nuanced acting.
This post is a also a part of Blogchatter’s initiative #CauseAChatter
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile
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