Tamarinds and Toffees: A trip down memory lane

Tamarinds and Toffees is a Marathi short film by Pranjali Dattatreya that revolves around two inseparable childhood friendships, Yamu and Manu. The two have now grown up and grown apart but find their way back to each other.

The film begins with Manu getting dressed to leave for Yamu’s house and is accompanied by her young grandson on the nostalgic journey she takes. It is interesting to witness Manu’s daughter put flowers in her hair before she leaves, as widowed women in India usually refrain from doing so. This conveys that Manu is a strong woman who refuses to abide by societal norms.

On her way to Yamu’s house, we witness Manu fix her gaze on streets, bakeries, and other shops that bring back fond memories of her younger self. She also shares her joy with her grandson by telling him stories of her childhood and anecdotes about her children.

When she arrives at Yamu’s house, the two embrace each other, and it’s evident that time has not changed anything about their friendship. The film shows us the importance of cherishing childhood bonds through Yamu and Manu’s friendship. Looking at the two giggling and reminiscing about the past makes us believe that true friendships will last the test of time.

It is beautiful to witness Manu and Yamu’s friendship through the lens of both their grandchildren playing together and forming a strong bond. Manu later hands Yami a handful of tamarinds, and she cannot believe her eyes. This heart-warming gesture proves that Manu remembered Yami’s love for tamarind even after all these years.

Although the film is set in the present, the flashbacks help the audience take a deeper look into the relationship between the two. The film ends with Manu having to leave - a beautifully shot scene which will be etched in your memory. We learn that Yami got married at an early age and had to leave everything she knew, including Manu, and relocate. The duo bidding goodbye to each other brings up those memories as they hug one last time with tears in their eyes and a smile on their face.