Introduction –
Syaahi is an exemplum of a young boy’s rebellion against his struggling “writer” father and a caring mother, against the unfairness of not being able to enjoy some of the perks of school life. It is a story of his frustrations, his desires and his challenging ways. Syaahi is also about sensitivity and responsibility.
Synopsis –
Set in a quaint town of Chaanditaal, against the stunning backdrop of sloping hills and meandering rugged paths, Syaahi introduces Vansh, a 10 year old lad ( Himanshu Bhandari ), trudging along the steep rises and equally plunging falls with his best friend. The topic of their conversation is about the upcoming school trek. Vansh, who is aware of his family’s financial status, lies to his friend. He tells him that he wouldn’t be able to make it because his grandparents are visiting. Vansh’s friend gets angry and stops talking to him.
Vansh makes a dark choice
Back home Vansh tries to woo his father ( Gopal Dutt ) through childish compliments. He does the same to his mother ( Sarika Singh ), by appreciating her eggplant dish. When he finally tells her that he wants to join the classroom trek, his mother refuses. Frustrated, Vansh decides to take the matter into his own hands. He collects the old stuff ( Radi ) from the house and sells it to a nearby “Scrap Merchant” to arrange his trek fees. Later that night, his father realizes that his current manuscript, the one which would definitely get published and thereby end his family’s miseries is missing from his desk.
Vansh quickly realizes that he’d mistakenly sold his father’s latest book, in the form of paper sheets along with other useless stuff. The loss introduces yet another long silence and struggle in the family. Vansh once again decides to take matters into his own hands. He embarks on a new mission …
Analysis –
Syaahi won a special mention at the National Film Awards. It was also screened at various film festivals and appreciated for its sensitive theme. The director does well to keep the momentum slow. It is this sluggish pace which enhances the beauty of the terrain ( location ), the frustration of young Vansh and the depth of the family’s struggle.
Cinematography is right up there, highlighting the inner turmoil of every character, especially young Vansh who is torn between short term blithe ( Trekking ) and his parents’ dilemmas. Gopal Dutt and Sarika Singh have done well in playing the role of a struggling writer and an understanding mother and a beta reader.
2016 Varun Tandon Varun Tandon 29 Minutes Amazon Prime Video | Hotstar | YouTube | LargeShortFilms