Review: 'Udaan' is a touching tale of adolescence

Udaan
Cast: Rajat Barmecha, Ronit Roy, Aayan Boradia, Ram Kapoor
Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
Certificate: U/A
Critic’s rating: ****

 

Udaan tells the story of thousands of youths from middle India’s middle-class families. It is an emotionally charged film that sometimes moves you to tears. Udaan is the story of anguish and breaking away to fly the kite of one’s dreams.

 

The film begins with four mischievous teenagers who are expelled from school after being caught sneaking out of the hostel at night to watch a B-grade film Kanti Singh Ke Angoor.

 

The story follows the life of one of the boys Rohan (Barmecha), who hasn’t been home in eight years. His tyrant of a father Bhairav (Roy) is a control freak and doesn’t shy away from getting physically abusive to ensure that his point of view prevails.

 

On his return home, Rohan finds a stepbrother Arjun (Boradia) who he did not know existed. The relationship of the boys develops beautifully as Rohan goes from being a bully to a caring older brother once he realises that little Arjun is also a victim of their father’s wrath.

 

Against his wishes, Rohan is forced to work in his father’s steel factory and enrolled in an engineering institute.

 

An aspiring writer, Rohan recites many beautiful poems to different people in the film. One can’t help but notice how aptly his poems fit the mood of the film at various points.

 

The fourth main character in the film is Jimmy (Kapoor), a kind and caring uncle to the kids, a striking difference from his elder brother.

 

The film is high on the emotional quotient. Many scenes stay with you long after you have left the theatre. For example, when Rohan leaves school for home while his friends watch him; the first meeting of the half-brothers; the conversation between the father and Rohan, where he is told to called him ‘Sir’ instead of ‘Papa’; and the heated conversation of the two brothers which dents their relationship.

 

Udaan has more of a documentary feel than that of a feature film. But while the pace is painfully slow at times, the film’s talented cast portrays the varied hues of human emotions and you are inexorably drawn into their lives. As the film moves towards its denouement you desperately hope that Rohan breaks free.

 

Barmecha is raw talent and displays a wide emotional range with panache. He is happy and flamboyant with friends, angry yet not vengeful when around his father, and indifferent and later a responsible brother to Arjun. Director Motwane can be credited for bringing out the good and bad in Barmecha.

 

Boradia is adorable. He communicates very well with his eyes. Television actors Roy and Kapoor do a refined job as brothers. You will love to hate Roy the bully while Kapoor’s soothing characterisation eases the pressure the former puts on you.

 

One character you wish had more screen time is Maninder (Manjot Singh), the Sardar who tickles you every time you hear him on the phone.

 

The film’s soundtrack, with meaningful songs that suit the mood, is moving. Simple and touching, that’s Udaan for you. A must-watch for all, whether teenager or a parent.