Shyamchi Aai Review

Movie: Shyamchi Aai
Directed By: Acharya Atre
Cast: Vanamala, Madhav Vaze

Those of you who wish to know what a true mother-son love and relationship is like must watch this movie. It is a movie that teaches every human being moral values thus making him a respectable person in the society. The storyline is simple yet stuffed with ample meaning in it. The story follows the life of a prosperous joint family which towards the end splits up and leading to poverty and struggle and the eventual death of Shyam’s mother. The movie in itself is like a mother and the viewer a son learning moral values. The movie elucidates excellent directorial skills of Acharya Atre and the acting performances by Vanamala and Madhav Vaze are fabulous.

The movie starts with a beautiful poem on mother and continues with Shyam’s childhood mischiefs for the first few minutes. A scene from the school which shows the teacher asking the kids not to sing songs about Tilak shows the mentality of teachers and students at the time. The freedom struggle, the movie shows, was shared by both the students and elders alike.

What makes the movie a distinguished one from other movies is scenes where the mother and son communicate. A child’s innocence and ignorance of plucking buds instead of full bloomed flowers is kindly explained by the mother; also mother’s love for a son is highlighted effectively when Shyam’s mother wipes his feet after his bath. The term ‘freedom’ was also highlighted in the movie in two different senses. While India was obviously fighting for freedom, Shyam’s mother’s reaction towards the landlord’s words throws light on the honour, respect and freedom of a woman.

The script of the movie stuffs in meaningful symbolisms. This is proved in the scene where Shyam teaches his brother prayers which condemn stealing and Shyam stealing money while teaching these prayers. The irony in the actions and dialogues in the scene makes the script worth applause.

Also the movie is one which would bring tears into your eyes but also leaves you smiling in mirth at the actions of the characters. The scene where Shyam’s mother forgets to add salt in a curry is a mixture of love, intense emotions and also humour.

Just as the movie starts it ends with a song on mother, leaving you commemorating about the lessons taught by a mother to her son.