I have rarely seen “A Death in the Gunj” mentioned in the list of all the best emotional, poignant and original Indian movies ever made. The ending never fails to make me cry :”)
The story set in Anglo-Indian era tells about Shutu, our bengali protoganist who suffers from depression and is regularly bullied and used by his family members, friends and crush- with absolutely no one to care about him. After failing his exams, losing his father- he decides to visit his maasi’s (aunt’s) hometown.
It’s definitely a must-watch especially if you are a fan of tear-jerker movies. Sends out an important message at the end too which is something half of the world refuses to care about and that’s- The importance of mental health and how depression actually looks in daily life. How Loneliness is one of the biggest perpetrators of it 💔
I loved the movie for 2 reasons-
- The ending.
- Shutu. Played by a brilliant actor, he is someone most people can silently relate to. He is one of the most accurate portrayals of what people suffering with depression actually look and act like. Most of them are all smiley and cheery from outside and yet, could be contemplating to commit suicide the next day. Having 0 social support worsens matters because..well, we start believing ki jab koi khayal rakhne vala nahi hai to what’s the use of living? Kya hi farak padega kisiko? :”)
Which is an absolute depressing lie to believe in. When you go out, do you ever find yourself complimenting someone in mind?
“Wow her smile is sooooo pretty”
“Yk what the way she is holding that cup is kinda elegant”
“Damnnn that was a badass walk :0”
It doesn’t even have to be about appearance. And do you know..how many secret admirers you have on this planet? :) More than you think 💓 And even if you have no one to support you then c’mon you have YOURSELF. You have your childhood version of youself looking up in hope of an amazing future. Would you want your future self looking back in regret and recollecting all those moments you are missing in life rn, because you have no one? Because YOU think you have no one?
This time will def pass and new people will love you. Just hang on there, alright? :D
Anyways, Shutu is the best and the most realistic main character l have seen in Bollywood and this isn’t even an exaggeration. Thank you for coming to my ted talk 🛐