Usually "cinema" is considered to be a suspension of disbelief, yet "Tashi" is all about believing.
An ailing artist and mother read those ominous-sounding philosophical books bringing forth a simplistic thought of "beyond the misery lies peace". Her two middle-aged children beg to differ. A work-from-home spinster holding a heartache, and a stay-abroad son with a family and secret of his own - struggle together to bury their regrets. Soon enough, they're joined by a visitor who has his story to bear. Then amidst them, we find a domestic help who remains smiling and unexpressed throughout the day, only to write letters at night to her mother whom she never posts.
Heavy sounding, yet this festival-favourite indie appears to carry a fragrant-sense of 'auspiciousness'. Faith and its leap, with the uncertainty of existence connecting beautifully to the divinity in one and all - acknowledged often through a simple palm-folding gesture of "Namaste".
Nonetheless, exploring life comes with predicaments.
As quipped earlier in the film, "Even Buddha Died" ... the undercurrent of death, its inevitability and associated gloom are just gentle reminders that no malady stays for long. While our people try to move on - that may include - celebrating both Diwali and Christmas in December; along with speaking their minds and heart out. It's not so surprising that lack of communication could be the root cause of misery.
The character-driven drama draws through daily lives and our general sense of belonging as a family. The fresh cast of five portrays complexities with genuine aplomb; though, Ila Maheshwari (being her debut) is sublime as the ageing-mother, along with Anvita Gupta who adds a gravitas with her mellow persona as the domestic-maid.
Director Shilpa Krishnan-Shukla is a reader and pens her stories from the corners of our dining rooms, bedsides, terrace chairs... eavesdropping on our homely conversations, even on our intimate and troubling thoughts... to bring forth a personal story of being right and wrong, being joyful, occasionally frustrated or secretively unhappy. It doesn't take too long to understand that her cinematic storytelling time-and-time again have stated, "Life, eventually, does become a process of letting go".
The film's Background Score (by the regular collaborator, B Prasanna) though minimalistic and pointed reminds of that faint flutter of melody, more like humming a tune to self while taking a walk. Minuscule yet elaborate enough to carry a deeply, personal thought. Now, who won't like that?
However, do bring along some patience to watch this one, as it'll take a while to gain pace; and when it does it'll be worth your time.
"Tashi" is your typical and atypical film. It's graphed well but brings forth a side of people that usually rare on the silver-screen - the homely one.
And then, just like that Beatles track, it takes a sad song and makes it better.
