WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
A depletion of soul. The anguish of a hurting heart. The relentless resistance to move on. It is with more than a deepened sense of loss that we make so many attempts in vain to release the inward sorrow experienced when something of cherished value is suddenly removed from our life. While certain things may hurt more than others, the pain of no longer having a loved one present is a unique agony hard to accept or endure. The question will then be–CAN we find that fortitude to see the way ahead or be in danger of losing ourselves as well? Govind (Ram Gopal Bajaj) is prepared to celebrate a 55th anniversary with his beloved wife Leela (Asha Sharma), finding himself leaving the comfort of his home for a spell to visit specific locations and remember moments that remind him of the life, love, and joy they’ve shared. Yet, if he now returns to his residence, and to the row of jam jars lining the counter, will it spell additional fond recollection–or prompt a reality he doesn’t wish to accept?
Next, my Mind:
Unreservedly raw, intensely acute, undeniably stirring, and packed with enough overall emotional punch to bring down the Earth itself (at least for this critic it sure did! I was crying within 30 seconds into the film!), this 12-minute short film offering from writer/director/producer Arpan Bahl, producers Vijaykumar Mirchandani and Harsshil Patel, and executive producer Colin Harold Anthony delivers arguably one of the most poignantly affecting films I have personally witnessed recently and does so with a purposeful design that paints a portrait of commonly explored thematic elements but more uniquely through the eyes of an elderly man, which in this case only makes the effort’s deeply reverberating atmosphere sink in all the more. The film struck us with this fantastically executed narrative via its NYC Premier at the 2o21 NYC South Asian Film Festival sponsored by Toyota and hosted by Festival Director/Jingo Media Founder Jitin Hingorani and Artistic Director Ambica Dev.
The cornerstone concepts focused on the compelling dominance of enduring love and the equally unrelenting, overpowering weight of longing to have back what we’ve lost, the story shown here is actually based on real events, which only serves to add yet another heartstring tugging facet to an already jarringly riveting film, the echoes of which WILL resonate within you long after the film’s abbreviated runtime ends, capped off with a finale that absorbs us so firmly and unapologetically in its pathos-laden reality, you might even feel like you’ll never recover. Mind you, this is a GOOD thing, as it more than adequately gives full credit to Bahl and Company for the masterful gem they’ve created while reminding us about the sheer force that is independent cinema and the strength of its platform to allow overtly human stories like this to be told with high quality and meaningful intent rather than just presenting mindless entertainment with no depth whatsoever. There’s a place for that, of course, but for this critic, not as much anymore with films like this to consume.
Additionally, I am always impressed when a film can end up so blatantly surprising me with originality and unexpected layers of striking content in the narrative portrayed, and this was accomplished in spades for me here. As human beings, we assuredly don’t handle loss with grace very often, not because we’re NOT supposed to feel the impact it has, but more due to the notion of letting go being so difficult. As it given to us through this film, the examination of how our minds deal with it is so beautifully conveyed via a kaleidoscope of instances we see the lead character experiencing, made so emotively dramatic thanks to perfectly orchestrated visuals which capture nuances that speak volumes without a single work being uttered, and it’s this style of presentation that really makes this film the impressive piece of art it is. The affecting relatability of it also stands out for me here as well, which again is a hallmark of indie film and the community of talent found within it.
Bajaj is an indisputable marvel here through his splendidly rewarding and deftly remarkable performance as Govind, an older man facing what should be the wonder of his 55th anniversary with his treasured wife Leela. Taking the time to travel to the locales and hence revisit precious occasions and occurrences via wonderfully expressive movements and affectionate remembrances, Govind soaks in needed happiness. Upon returning to his home, events take a different turn that will collide with his pleasant thoughts and being to propel him into a realization that might be too much for him to bear, much less choose to let go of in order to find any semblance of solace of heart, mind, and soul. The manner in which this is all depicted is visceral and immeasurably heart-rending from start to finish, regardless of which emotional actuality we are entreated to, and Bajaj is so believable and sincere in his performance and if you are NOT moved to tears during this film, this critic will honestly question the existence of your own heart. It’s candid, unconcealed, uninhibited humanity being displayed, and Bajaj owns it outright.
The only supporting role present here is from Sharma as Govind’s angel of a wife Leela, whose appearances play such a key factor in the story’s ultimate purpose. So, in total, “The Last Jam Jar” is another must see film that examines the rich vividness of true, long-lasting, abiding love as well as the uncompromising breadth of inner deprivation and the genuine suffering held over and in us when confronted with that which we don’t want to lose. We never wish to have to encounter this level of profound turmoil, but should always be prepared if it comes our way. This film is a definitive and convincing ode to this, perhaps telling us to realize how much even a single moment can alter our perceptions and memories of what love is and was so that it can be honored while not allowing it guide us into extremes that may end up being more hurtful than healing. Can we discover the way to love this strongly, though? One can only hope.
Miss viewing “The Last Jam Jar” at either physical festival? Worry not! Check out the film online as it currently screens as part of Virtual SAFF 2021!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
