WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
If something is truly, deeply bad for you, additionally a detriment to your immediate and potentially future health, would you not wish to cease these things for the sake of a better, thriving, robust life? When you see someone else seriously struggling with those same elements, would you not wish to help them overcome the obstacles? What if you or someone around you lost a dearly loved person in their life due to illness caused by alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, would it not spur you to action? For one young woman (Shiwani Saini), it was to be a day of celebration–the day of her marriage. Yet, even as she dresses for the occasion, her mind is preoccupied, her emotions filled with a sadness and hurt.
Even though it is her most anticipated day, there is a void left that is felt only as a daughter can–the absence of her father, who, having passed away from liver cancer, is now unable to be present to walk his beloved child down the aisle arm in arm, listen to the beauty of her voice as she speaks the wedding vows, and tear up as he watches her go forward with her husband into the next phase of life. All of this is now moot, as he watches over her from above, having not heeded the warnings she spoke to him in such strong, abiding love so as to dissuade him from thinking the bottle was an answer to his own personal battles. Yet, even as her younger sister (Pritpal Siyan) comes to comfort her, the longing to have him there is overwhelming and heartbreaking.
Next, my Mind:
Writer/director/narrator/editor/actress Siyan wastes no time in presenting a potent, poignant, compelling, acutely emotional 3-minute short film that tackles the concept and harsh realities of liver cancer with total commitment and in-your-face intent for India’s National Cancer Awareness Day, November 7th, 2016. Willing to simply state the straight forward facts about the highly damaging effects alcohol, tobacco, or drugs will have on any individual’s health, the utilization of a narrative involving a bride on her wedding day not having her father present only places the purpose of the film that much more front and center. Plus, thanks to an additional heartfelt poetry reading included as part of the voiceover narration, it emphasizes not only the ramifications substance abuse can lead to, but further drives the point home that this all not only affects the immediate individual, but everyone close to them as well–the death of hopes and dreams.
Saini’s performance is affecting, real, and unequivocally human as the bride/daughter whose having to face one of the key times in her life without the benefit of her first love–her father–being present to take part and witness her next steps towards the future. Her methodical sifting through treasured items only brings his memory rushing back harder and more forcefully, bringing with it the inner heartache and sentiment screaming to the surface. It’s the total acknowledgement of her loss on a day reserved for total, absolute joy, and the pain is effectively presented by Saini’s emotive acting. Siyan’s appearance as the younger sister is appropriately touching, but it is her narration and poetry that completes this story with impactful resonance, as she proclaims how “For daughter’s first love is her father and daughter the last great love of a father”.
Folks, let’s be frank–“Dhee Da Pehla Piaar” is a necessary film, one that should truly be viewed, taken seriously, and then shared with as many people as possible for the powerful, needed message it is conveying. Cancer is an insidious illness, and something we should never tire hearing stories about and being aware of. It isn’t a joyous subject, but it is the reality that so many live with, or have now encountered due to drug and/or alcohol abuse. This can be stopped. We have the ability to stand up and say something to those dear to us who might be fighting addictions or are beginning to turn to these things for supposed comfort. Be willing to say something, not out of malicious intent or lack of respecting someone’s personal choices, but rather out of genuine compassion for their well being and the desire to have them remain in our lives longer. Be aware always, be diligent, share this film, rise up, and be a vessel of change for someone.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
