Three Of Us” is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, healing, awareness, and liberation. The film follows Shailaja, portrayed by the exceptional Shefali Shah, who is grappling with the early signs of dementia. She embarks on a journey to revisit her past, confront a traumatic event from her childhood, and seek emotional closure before her memories fade away. Accompanied by her husband, played by Swanand Kirkire, and her childhood love, portrayed by Jaideep Ahlawat, Shailaja’s journey leads her toward forgiveness and liberation. The film raises questions about her past, her marriage, and her future, and viewers are left wondering if she will find the satisfaction and closure she seeks.
Performances:
Shefali Shah’s portrayal of Shailaja is nuanced and delicate, capturing the complexity of a woman slowly succumbing to dementia. Her performance is so finely tuned that every emotion and facial expression draws the viewer in. You’ll find yourself deeply invested in her character, rooting for her to find closure and emotional healing before her memories slip away. Shefali Shah’s performance is nothing short of brilliant.
Jaideep Ahlawat, known for his intense roles, displays a different side in “Three Of Us.” He brings a genuine and warm smile to his character, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His portrayal is marked by a seamless transition between various emotions, from sadness to tragedy, guilt, and finally, remorse.
Swanand Kirkire’s character is supportive and understanding, even when his wife seeks closure with a former childhood lover. His portrayal captures the subtlety of helping his wife battle a life-threatening ailment while putting aside personal judgments about her past relationships. Kirkire’s performance is understated and reflects the depth of his character.
Script, Direction & Technical Aspects:
The film’s writing, credited to Avinash Arun, Omkar Achyut Barve, and Arpita Chatterjee, along with dialogue by Varun Grover and Shoaib Nazeer, is the soul of “Three Of Us.” The writing is characterized by subtlety and depth, emphasizing the simplicity of life and the need for moments of calmness and self-reflection. The narrative reflects the passage of time and the importance of embracing life’s simplicity.
Avinash Arun’s direction is a testament to his writing skills. He narrates a simple yet relatable story that draws the viewer in with every scene. The film evokes a warm and nostalgic feeling, making the audience reluctant to see it end. It’s a departure from typical romantic films and instead offers a warm embrace after conveying the harsh realities of life.
The love story in the film is portrayed with exceptional maturity, a rare sight in cinema. “Three Of Us” challenges gender stereotypes with nuanced scenes, such as a boy in a Bharatnatyam dance class surrounded by girls. Jaideep Ahlawat’s character engaging in activities like stitching and fabric painting further breaks gender stereotypes. Avinash Arun deserves praise for addressing these nuances.
Avinash Arun’s cinematography beautifully captures the village in Konkan, creating an immersive experience for the viewer. The occasional use of darker scenes serves to highlight the characters’ hidden secrets, and the point-of-view shots and overhead drone takes add depth to the storytelling.
Sanyukta Kaza’s editing keeps the film crisp and engaging, with smooth transitions and minimal jump cuts. The audience remains captivated throughout the film’s runtime.
Alokananda Dasgupta’s background score is a masterstroke. The intentional absence of background music in some scenes creates an eerie and intense atmosphere that complements the narrative perfectly. It enhances the film’s setting and storytelling, leaving a lasting impact.
In conclusion, “Three Of Us” is a touching exploration of love, memory, and self-discovery. Shefali Shah’s outstanding performance, supported by a well-crafted script and impressive technical aspects, makes this film a must-watch for those seeking a poignant and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Rating: 3/5