WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Oh the times in which we live. It seems we’re lucky when the “newest, hottest cell phone” we choose to buy isn’t out of date by the time we walk out of the store to enjoy it! But, it isn’t only the electronics, or the politics, or the fluctuating climate, or buying regular tap water in a bottle and calling it “spring fresh”, or even any other of the myriad of conveniences and conventions we’ve had to come accustomed to. There remains the ever-altering realm of the parent-child dynamic and modern relationships that seem to find a way to shake us up and often teach us a lesson. For one single father (Siraj Huda) who’s come to NYC to visit his beloved daughter Ajna (Ajna Jai), events involving his girl, another girl (Piyali Syam), and another father (Nitin Madan) become a challenging test for him to realize one unstoppable truth–“the world is changing!”
Next, my Mind:
Having its World Premier while transporting us away from the more dramatically-driven efforts being showcased at the inaugural 2019 New York City South Asian Film Festival sponsored by Toyota USA, this delightfully charming, wholly engaging 12-minute short film from director/cinematographer/editor Vick Krishna and writer/producer/actor Huda paints the most beautifully endearing portrait of contemporary society and the transforming nature of it as seen through the equally witty but old school eyes of a single father who’s come to NYC to spend time with his daughter. Along the way, beyond basic foundational concepts illustrating father-daughter bonds, single parenting, and initial resistance to change, the film then embraces and/or explores a wealth of other themes involving so many key facets of cultural and societal elements deeply rooted in the South Asian community overall, yet applicable to any race, ethnicity, or creed, doing so in an often hilariously playful, sometimes satiric, yet fully impactful, affecting way that allows it all to sink in to the viewer’s being for contemplation.
I loved the fact it was executed with said consistent comedic undertones while not sacrificing the serious and intentional messages it delivers in wonderfully stylistic fashion. Another credit to the narrative is how it chooses to address what really becomes the film’s ultimate benchmark thematically–the always volatile, though much more widely accepted now, same-sex partner scenario and how it impacts parents who learn of it out of the blue as is the treatment here. However, the means by which the film chooses to move forward in this particular direction is simply, undeniably intelligent, smartly conceived and written to put a totally humorous twist on the reaction of Ajna’s father while also taking the less-than-thrilled reaction of her partner’s father and still finding a way to make it jocular and absolutely entertaining. Additionally, the film’s finale communicates such a blatantly necessary sentiment this world needs to here and adhere to, it makes every single idea presented here mesh together in one profoundly simple statement. The film’s visual utilization of the “character speaking directly to the viewer” at times is genius and so effective, as is the film’s music score, which adds emotive accompaniment.
Huda is an out-and-out deadpan comedy riot here in his role as the father, a widower who, while perhaps just a little long in the tooth, still possesses a conspicuously youthful exuberance and outlook on life, which shows in every aspect of his interactions with us as the viewer and with the characters he interacts with. Enjoying a wonderful visit with his daughter and the banter that ensues, his world gets rocked when finding out about her new love–Piyali. Shattering his own ideas of “perfection”, the conversations and introspections that follow bring him to a new understanding and level of patience, tolerance, and concession that is so overtly clever and astute in its manifestation, with Huda knocking it out of the park with light-hearted wryness and a quick-witted disposition that serves the character so well.
Jai is all kinds of adorable, sweet, enchanting, and lovable in her role as Ajna, a highly successful young woman who still holds a stirring candle for her dear old Dad and spending time with him we can tell is treasured by her. Of course, when the joy is suddenly interrupted by her subsequent announcement, she takes it with a controlled bearing and still being “Daddy’s little girl”, she wins him over with convincing and realistic sincerity. Throughout, Jai sells the character with graceful ease and winsome grace. Syam brings the same kind of precious delight in look and attitude to her role as Anja’s partner Piyali, whose excitement to “meet the parent” is actually very moving when it occurs. What really adds the more interesting dynamic is when we are treated to her advising her father about Ajna, which has a decidedly different tone compared to Ajna’s reveal. But, just like Ajna, Piyali tries her happy best to win him over with the innocent “it will all be ok” mentality and joy. Piyali is unequivocally irresistible and enjoyable in the role.
Madan gets his chance to shine in the middle of the fun as well via his turn as Piyali’s father, whom we can tell is a truly more traditional thinking man, especially seeing his reactions to his daughter’s proclamation about Ajna, which sends him on an anxiety-ridden journey that isn’t really alleviated at all even when they’re all together at a local café to celebrate the girls’ partnership. It’s a total stitch watching Madan take the character through these purposefully awkward sequences and he plays it so amusingly well. Additional supporting appearances are made as well from Jyoti Singh and Hemang Sharma. In total, “Freak” provides us with an overall, grander message we never like to admit–change is inevitable, it WILL come, and when it does, will we be open-minded enough to roll with it or fall into panic. But, if we do resist and allow it to upend our solace, there’s that final phrase ending the film that sums it up–but you need to watch so that it has the impact in heart and soul its truly intended to.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
Thank you so much 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻☮️✌️🤗
Wow didn’t know you archive your reviews. Was surprise to see tha today after almost four years.