Title: Zindaginama
Directors: Sukriti Tyagi, Danny Mamik, Sahaan Hattangadi, Rakhee Sandilya, Aditya Sarpotdar, Mitakshara Kumar
Cast: Shreyas Talpade, Anjali Patil, Shruti Seth, Sumeet Vyas, Shweta Basu Prasad, Shivani Raghuvanshi, Prajakta Koli and others
Where: Steaming on Sony LIV
Rating: 3.5 Stars
This series bravely unpacks the complex world of mental health through a six-episode anthology, with each filmmaker tackling a distinct condition. It takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, entwined with societal stigmas and medical realities, fostering empathy and understanding. By delving into the minds of characters grappling with these issues, the series encourages conversations around often-ignored topics. The performances are outstanding, with each actor delivering authenticity and depth, creating characters that resonate profoundly with the audience, and pushing boundaries society tends to sweep under the rug.
The anthology kicks off with Swagatam, a moving portrayal of schizophrenia. Shreyas Talpade delivers a stellar performance as Mukul, a man navigating the isolating and confusing world of psychosis. His interactions with his wife, played by the talented Anjali Patil, add a deep emotional core to the story. Anjali's portrayal of a supportive yet struggling spouse beautifully captures the often-overlooked role of caregivers in mental health journeys. The episode offers an authentic portrayal of schizophrenia and a love story that transcends the illness.
Then there’s Purple Duniya, a surreal dive into gaming disorder, with Tanmay Dhanania as Raag, a young man lost in a virtual world. His descent into addiction sharply highlights technology’s growing influence on society. However, the episode falls short, presenting more of a cautionary tale that focuses too much on the bizarre and neglects the nuanced emotional pull needed to resonate with viewers truly.
The twin dynamics in One Plus One, dealing with atypical anorexia nervosa, provide a gripping narrative, thanks to Prajakta Koli and Yashaswini Dayama as Meera and Maya. The episode showcases the ripple effect of this deeply psychological disorder on family dynamics, even if it only skims the surface of its complexities.
Bhanwar shines as one of the anthology’s most unsettling episodes, tackling PTSD with Shweta Basu Prasad as Namrata. It’s a slow burn, but the payoff is profoundly emotional. There’s no sugar-coating here; the episode leaves you feeling hollow—perhaps an indication of how successfully it captures the trauma Namrata endures.
Caged illuminates the struggles of gender dysphoria, with Mohammad Samad as Raju, a boy grappling with his identity in a world that refuses to understand him. Sumeet Vyas’s role as Keith, the gentle landlord’s son, adds warmth to the story. This episode tackles the emotional journey of self-acceptance, making it one of the more relatable narratives of the anthology.
The final episode, The Daily Puppet Show, explores OCD while introducing a charming romance. Shivani Raghuvanshi plays Leela, a woman managing her obsessive-compulsive disorder. Enter Sahil Gupta, a documentary filmmaker portrayed by Sayandeep Sengupta, who wants to be part of Leela’s world. Their evolving relationship infuses warmth and hope, balancing the challenges of OCD with the possibility of love and connection.
Overall, this anthology not only educates but also tugs at your heartstrings.
