Shwaas ...Akheracha ! (The last one)

I was eagerly waiting for the announcements for the Oscar Nominations this year. Shwaas was India's entry to the Oscar in the Best Foreign Film Category.

It is basically a short film about a boy who is about to lose his eyesight. The story is based on a real life incident of well-known cancer Surgeon Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar. The movie revolves around this kid, his grandfather, the doctor and a social activist who helps the grandfather to come out of this shock. Here is a synopsis of the movie taken from the its website :

"An old man from a remote village, Parule, brings his seven-year-old grandson, Parashuram to the city to consult to Dr Sane (name changed in the movie). Parashuram is having trouble with his eyes. After a series of investigations the child is diagnosed with Retino-blastoma, an eye cancer. The doctor suggests a severe treatment resulting into a lifelong darkness for Parashuram. Grandfather is shaken. He refuses to acknowledge the truth and tries to avoid the situation, but he is finally convinced for the treatment. While the grandfather struggles through the situation courageously, things happen such a way that makes him take some peculiar actions, which highlight the importance of living life gracefully. In the end Parashuram faces his fate with a smile."

A brilliantly shot short film with excellent performances! The producer of the movie, Arun Nalavade has given the performance of his life as a grandfather. Sandeep Kulkarni has acted brilliantly as a Doctor. He is the real masterstroke in the movie! Ashwin Chitale as a kid, Parashuram, looks very natural. He really looks painful all over the movie. The credit goes to the him and director for his natural performance! Amruta Subhash plays the social activist character. She is one of the budding talents in the Marathi Theater. She has proved it again in this movie.

The movie was ranked at 6th place in the nomination list for the Foreign Film Category in Oscars. Only first five could move to the final selection. So we can say this movie almost made it to the Oscars!

Neway, its a "feel good" effect to see that Indian Cinema Industry is growing intellectually!