Three of Us

Words can't describe how happy I was when the credits of this film rolled in. Finally, an indie film from my homeland that respects the craft of filmmaking and tries to service it. A film that doesn't try too hard and a film that is actually Indian in its core. And Three of Us is that film.

There's a certain sort of comfort to be found in this film. This film inherently wants you to soak in India. It wants to immerse you in the culture and make you fall in love with it all over again. The long drawn shots, the conversations and the portrayal of the natural way of life, makes you fixated on the beauty of our land and the people. It's not just Shailaja who is rediscovering her hometown, but it's also us who get to look at it with a delicate set of eyes and rediscover what was once lost in the rush of life.

Avinash Arun's Three of Us is a harrowingly beautiful and a poignant tale of finding yourself after a diagnosis of one of the worst and most heartbreaking diseases known to man - dementia. This tale of trying to gather your memories before the disease overcomes you explores many facets of life and takes you on a journey that reminds you to slow down, sit, love and enjoy what you have.

Not enough could be said about the direction and screenplay. Sky was the limit after Paatal Lok for Avinash Arun, but with this film he not only touches the limit but goes beyond it. The atmosphere he manages to create makes it irresistible to not get lost in the town of Konkan.

What I think was one of this film's greatest feat is the thread of stories that unravel and reveal information that we are hearing for the first time and so is Shailaja. We get to experience the wave of emotions that the lead is feeling and in some way get to be part of her emotional sphere, further enhancing the immersion and draw of this film. I was looking at this film with the same eyes and mind as Shailaja and I think that filmmaking genius.

Speaking of Shailaja, played by Shefali Shah gives us a performance of a lifetime. Her approach to the character made the film what it is and this word which I keep using to describe the film, "delicate", come to mind. Because that's what it was, delicate and thoughtful portrayal. Another one of the shining stars of this film was Jaideep Ahlawat, who I absolutely fell in love with over the course of 100 minutes of this film, I want to commend the screenwriters for developing a healthy and effable Indian male model who is wholesome and respectful and it never comes across as too try hard, in fact it might just be one of the best portrayals on screen of a character such as his. Special mention to Swanand Kirkire, one of the most talented people to grace this industry. Singing, songwriting, screenwriting and acting, this man excels in all.

If I could, I would show this to each and every person working in the industry. It's a shining beacon of what Bollywood should stand for and strive for. Three of Us achieves something that I thought was unachievable. It has the same touch and the same way of delicate handling as a Satyajit Ray film. It reminisces of an era of Indian filmmaking long gone by and not only pays homage to but successfully moves the genre forward.

Needless to say, watch this movie and spread the word about it. We need more stuff like this and we have to let them know what we like.

Definitely worth watching, without a doubt.

This film was made with a very heart-touching and gentle observation of human relationships. It takes perspective on experiences of loss, trauma, and healing. The lighting and angles in this film are very natural. Every frame speaks to the character's emotions...

Mesmerizing performances by Shefali Shah, Jaideep Ahlawat and Swanand Kirkire. The expression on Shefali's silent face is so powerful that you can understand what she wants to say. Jaideep Ahlawat, one of the finest actors of Bollywood, his every gesture, his expression, his every line with brilliant editing is extraordinary to read. You may feel that every relationship cannot be described in words...Especially the poetry recited by Jaideep is so impressive that the entire film becomes poetic...

The natural and instinctive understanding portrayed by Sarika , Pradeep's wife (Kadambari Kadam) demonstrates the strength of the finest bond they share as a husband and wife...

"Tomorrow will only come when today is played out"

""No one remembers their daily life...We forget as time passes,we change" Are the most valuable takeways to watchout for...

"Three of Us" is like a warm hug that makes you genuinely smile, even though it has a somewhat sad feeling. The movie feels personal because the characters take you on a stroll down memory lane. Shefali Shah is amazing as she shares the protagonist's childhood memories. Jaideep Ahlawat is just as good as the protagonist's old friend, and Swanand Kirkire does well alongside these strong performers. The music and environmental sounds make the scenes even better. It's a movie that feels emotionally immersive and leaves you wanting to experience something beautiful, something sad, and something deeply personal.

It's the most devastating tale about the human condition & yet so hopeful & positive.

I've had my heart broken a million times through the movie yet ended up thoroughly loving it .

I'll remember it for the sparkle in Shefali Shah's eyes. They are empty and expressive at the same time. She is one of the finest actors in Hindi cinema.

I'll also remember it for Jaideep Ahlawat's smile. His calmness and body language makes him completely suitable for romantic roles.

Together, these two power house actors are a delight to watch on screen.

Ably supported by Swanand Kirkire in the quintessential role of the husband who cares and respects his wife. There's one conflict scene for him in which he forces a fight with his wife. He is fantastic in this heart-wrenching scene. As also throughout the film.

There's not one high-pitched dialogue in the entire film. Everything is subtle and understated.

The Ferris wheel scene in the final act is film-making at its absolute best.

I feel this is Director and Cinematographer Avinash Arun's best work, yet. And, he already has a repertoire of brilliant work. The cinematography is simply breathtaking. He's also contributed to the screenplay alongwith Omkar Achyut Barve and Arpita Chatterjee. It has a beautiful background score by Alokananda Dasgupta, which is only used sparingly giving lots of scope for silent moments.

In this slam-bang, life-in-quick cuts world of movies this film is refreshingly different and stands apart. It is poignant and without any of the usual cliches.

But it may not appeal to everyone.

It is an experience to be appreciated on the big screen. Three of Us is worth every rupee spent.

The movie creates an impact on the viewers. Shefali ,Jaideep, Swanand..have done justice to the roles, its a slow paced movie, with perfectly matching emotions, memories, background music, scenes story and poetry. The Story is a pursuit for Childhood memories in the midst of todays world of Dementia.

Its a step, seldom people taken in the world of today.

Why should we go back,We should we remember the past? Why take steps back? Is there any value? Is it worth the time? What do you stand to gain go back? Why waste time? Do we need to go back and undo things? Do we need to say Sorry for mistakes of the past?