Saat Tareekh: A fresh take on motherly love

4.5/5

What’s it about:

This short film is about Sarita (Aishwarya Narkar), a mother who eagerly waits for her son, Pushpendra (Aashay Srivastava), lovingly called Pushpa - who was imprisoned for rape seven years ago, to return home.

What’s hot:

The film deals with the rarely spoken about aspect of a crime like rape - the life and family of the rapist. In the film, we witness Sarita narrate how her husband would make excuses for their son and blame the 15-year-old girl who bore the brunt of his crime. Through her narration, it is evident that she did not agree with her husband and blamed her son for his actions. This shows her internal struggle as a woman and as a mother. Although she wishes to love and accept her son, she holds him responsible for his crime.

However, her motherly instinct does not go unnoticed. She cleans the house, changes the bed-spread, and wears a special saree to welcome her son home after seven long years. She also recalls that he loved the meal of fish and rice she used to prepare for him. So, she cooks him a special welcome home meal and waits patiently for his return. She feels delighted when he knocks on the door and begins to serve him water and the freshly cooked meal she prepared. However, the unexpected nature of what happens next will be sure to make your jaw drop.

Although sudden and shocking, the end will surely make you feel content. The film acts as a commentary on the role a family plays when it comes to respecting women in society. This is not to say that the onus of the same is on the woman of the household like it is in the film, but on the family and the upbringing of a child as a whole. The short film will make you feel proud of Sarita.

What’s not:

The film contains mentions of rape and a scene showcasing blood, which may make it an uncomfortable watch for some.

Verdict:

This thrilling short film is definitely a must-watch. It initially seems like a film about the unconditional love between a mother and son, but the unexpected twist it takes at the end will leave you at the edge of your seat.