Dear Father Story :-
Homosexuality remains a sensitive and often taboo subject in mainstream cinema. Many filmmakers, actors, and production houses tend to steer clear of it. Therefore, Arvind Swamy’s decision to return to Hindi cinema after a fifteen-year hiatus with a film that explores the unconventional topic of the father-son relationship is commendable and courageous.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 4 March 2022 |
| Language | Gujarati |
| Genre | Comedy, Crime, Drama |
| Duration | 2h 17min |
| Cast | Paresh Rawal, Manasi Parekh, Chetan Dhanani |
| Director | Umang Vyas |
| Writer | Vivek Bele, Uttam Gada |
| Cinematography | Dhawalika Singh |
| Music | Rajat Dholakia |
| Producer | Ratan Jain, Ganesh Jain |
| Production | Venus Worldwide Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., 72° East Production |
| Certificate | 16+ |
In the film, masculinity is depicted as a delicate subject for teenagers, who grapple with doubts and questions while seeking role models both within and outside their families. This is the phase where they begin to view girls as mysterious creatures, start hitting the gym to sculpt their physique, and become conscious of their changing appearance, including facial hair growth. Despite the transition where fathers may no longer hold divine status in their eyes, they still play significant roles in their lives.
The story revolves around Himanshu Sharma, a teenager whose world is turned upside down during a road trip when his father reveals that he is gay. This revelation shatters Himanshu’s idealized image of his picture-perfect family and challenges his perceptions of masculinity. Despite belonging to the internet-savvy generation, Himanshu is tempted to explore a ‘cure’ suggested by a spiritual guru, hoping to restore his father’s heterosexuality. The film beautifully portrays Himanshu’s journey of coming to terms with his father’s truth and learning to accept it.
For individuals with alternate sexualities, coming out of the closet is often an arduous task, fraught with the fear of rejection and alienation from loved ones. Arvind Swamy delivers a poignant performance, depicting the inner turmoil of a middle-aged man torn between embracing his true self and fulfilling his role as a father. Himanshu Sharma portrays the emotional turmoil of his character with authenticity, and the on-screen chemistry between father and son feels genuine and heartfelt. Kudos to writer-director Tanuj Bhramar for crafting a narrative that feels authentic and devoid of melodrama.
Set against the backdrop of a road trip from Delhi to Mussoorie, the film offers breathtaking views of the scenic terrain, captured beautifully by cinematographer Mukesh G. Ultimately, the film delivers a powerful message about parenthood transcending sexual orientation, emphasizing the importance of love and acceptance within families. It’s a short yet poignant film that reminds us that healing and understanding can overcome even the deepest scars.
