Ek Duaa review: Ram Kamal Mukherjee and Esha Deol show sensitivity while dealing with grave matters

3.5/5

Story:

A Muslim family living in poor conditions is awaiting the news of their next child. The girl of their family is ignored and her only support comes in the form of her mother Abeda (Esha Deol).

Review:

Ram Kamal Mukherjee-helmed Ek Duaa is not your ideal, feel-good movie. It is a reflection of the harsh reality of (parts of) the Indian society.

Even though Ek Duaa is filled with a few stereotypes and opens up with one - mosque, prayer and small lanes, it can be forgiven, for there is a greater message at work. Moreover, the title Dua itself means prayer. It is also the name of a baby girl played by Barbee Sharma.

Barbee is adorable. Her equation with ammi Abeda is quite beautiful. The two share a bond that nobody understands. The others around them ignore the two.

Dua has been denied education which hurts the most. Where other kids detest going to school, she gets dressed up and looks up to the men in her life (father and son) to help her reach school. They, however, ignore her completely.

The story makes it clear that the family thinks it's a given that the son is the husband Suleman's (Rajveer Singh) responsibility and the daughter, the wife Abeda's. During Eid, he doesn't even give his daughter the Eidi (gift) even when he pampers everybody else in the family.

Esha doesn't exactly fit into the role but she tries to and that is quite visible through the way she plays her character.

The role of the old grandma Rehana (played by Sunita Shirole) works superbly, thanks to the good acting. expressions, body language and dialogues. Sunita Shirole is so brilliant that the character will invoke strong feelings of hate inside you.

While the dramatic background music didn't suit the requirements of the story, the songs do not disturb the storyline. 'More Khwaja Piya' is aesthetically pleasing.

The story subtly addresses marital rape. To birth a son, the husband has sex with his wife even when she isn't ready for it. It also shows how the older generation and society are often responsible for such actions.

Ek Duaa isn't for the weak-hearted and will shake you to the core, especially towards the ending. The film has an unexpected twist. Throughout the movie, you never see this coming, which turns out to be more of a shock. 

Verdict:

Ram Kamal Mukherjee has beautifully handled the delicate storyline of Ek Duaa. Esha Deol deserves praise for backing a project like this which is the need of the hour. The movie is a must-watch and deserves to reach every corner of India and the world.