WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Superstars. Icons. Champions. There is never a question in this world that we seek out those who excel, those who represent what we consider the best in their respective fields, who’ve made extraordinary contributions for, ideally, the betterment of the world. They are the people we look up to for vision and innovation. But, how often do we also see that sometimes, those who mean all of this could be the normal, ordinary, even seen as mundane individuals around us? Even those in our own family. For 9-year old Kanku (Bhavya Sirohi), all that surrounds her is an innocent wonder, especially nature, as she lives a simple life with her parents Bhavala (Abhinay Banker) and Tejal (Shraddha Dangar) and in the company of best friend and local misfit Jhambura (Bhatt Bhushan). But, when staying with her uncle Jairam (Bharat Thakkar) while her parents work, his niece Kiara (Jaanushi Oza) states that her father is a superhero, setting off a chain of events for the impressionable Kanku to prove the same about her beloved poppa.
Next, my Mind:
Immersed in a perspective of the ways we see our parents, the means by which we can feel we must compare or compete with others to maintain a sense of validity and acceptance, the potentially extreme lengths we might go to initiate this journey, and the equally triumphant, or possibly damaging, ramifications it could bring about, this amazingly whimsical, stirring yet likewise dramatically potent indie feature film from director/co-producer Dr. Darshan Ashwin Trivedi, writer Raam Mori, producers Tejasvi Vidyut Buch, Milapsinh Jadeja, and Dr. U.T. Rao, plus co-producer/editor Burzin Unwalla packs quite an evocative punch on multiple levels during its two-hour runtime. Screened as part of its showings at the 2021 Virtual South Asian Film Festival presented by Toyota USA, supported by AARP, produced by Jingo Ventures, in association with DFW SAFF & NYC SAFF, the film never loses its momentum, engaging aura, or deeply relevent messages, definitively leaving the viewer with plenty to consider while experiencing a wealth of entertaining and emotional waves the story produces.
Anchored by its core premise that sees a wonderfully charming young girl embark on a quest to prove her cherished and (perhaps in some ways) overly doting father is actually a superhero, the pacing here allows the narrative to fly along with super, but controlled, speed and with intelligent writing and overall execution transports us into a reality where a child’s view of the world is paramount and both the sweetness of purpose but dangers of overstepping one’s place are explored to ends that impact us heavily on each end of the spectrum. We see thematic exhibition of the unparalleled drive, determination, and perseverance of a youthful mindset, but also the more sobering instances of pained self-image, rejection, resentment, and, as hinted at above, the prospective consequence of allowing the more negative aspects of a given endeavor to bring outright disaster. The film delivers all of this with unexpected degrees of oscillating and highly compelling vigor, which by a particularly jarring pivotal moment, leaves you breathless.
But, even in view of the turn of events depicted, we then see a marvelously inspiring new outlook taken on by others in Kanku’s circle that leads to magnitudes of inward and outward healing, necessary awareness, and newly discovered victory over the odds that’s just so captivatingly revitalizing and invigorating leading up to the film’s finale, which then completely absconds with our heart and soul, becoming the reminder that there actually ARE heroes in this world that don’t have to wear capes and spandex suits to be so, though the film does delightfully explore this as well. Another of the myriad of aspects I respect and treasure about indie film is that it doesn’t require overtly over-the-top visual presentation to sustain the viewer’s attention, and here is no exception, with the settings and other imagery kept nice, neat, and uncomplicated so as to perfectly suit the story while also ensuring we DO remain caught up in the narrative and characters with little to no distraction to avert our eyes. There are some amusing “action” scenes that induce smiles!
Well, here I go AGAIN. WHERE do they KEEP finding these unbelievably talented child actors??? With ZERO disrespect to any of the cast outside of her, Sirohi is an absolute scene-stealing, show-stopping presence from start to finish through her role as Kanku, a free spirited, wholly unimpeachable young girl who finds her world a bit shaken when choosing to prove her father is, literally, a superhero after her uncle’s niece proclaims that about hers. Unwilling to accept defeat or anyone disproving (or disapproving of) it, Kanku tried everything she can to make it true, and even when facing disappointments and discouragement, she soldiers forth in hopes to make it real. How this ultimately plays out is both heartwarming and tragic to varying extents, but there’s no getting past the life lessons taught and the beauty of imagination, individuality, and need for affirmation Kanku’s venture elicits, with Sirohi excelling in every moment of screen time she has, endearing, playful, and yet so maturely prolific in the mix of humor and drama involved.
Primary supporting roles arrive from Bankar as the subject of Kanku’s undertaking, her father Bhavala, who works the streets of the city as a clothing vendor with his wife just to try and keep his family afloat and provided for. Once he becomes fully aware of his daughter’s plight, the initial resistance occurs but after a turn of events becomes his own adventure to help her see he IS who she believes. It’s an excellent performance Bankar provides and it befits the tone of the story with ease and energy. Likewise, Dangar also brings a specific element of both heartening compassion and mild tension to the screen as Tejal, Kanku’s mother and Bhavala’s wife who also works as a vendor alongside him while trying not to necessarily allow her daughter’s affections go completely in her husband’s direction only. A voice of support and reason but sometimes frustrated with the situation at hand, Tejal withstands the ups and downs experienced and comes out stronger for Kanku than ever before when things get altered. Dangar paints the portrait of devotion and a mother’s unconditional love for her child with affecting and believable grace.
Bhushan shines brightly here as Jhambura, a slightly challenged young man who’s befriended Kanku and her family after his apparent abandonment by his own family. His stalwart belief and support of Kanku in general, much less his part to play in her crusade is so lovable and Bhushan sells you on this character without any effort at all. Thakkar plays Kanku’s uncle Jairam, an affable and equally doting man who values his times with Kanku while her parents are away working each day. Oza is another child actor who impresses through her appearances as Kiara, Jairam’s niece and Kanku’s only other true friend who actually becomes the unwitting catalyst and sometimes detractor for the “mission” Kanku ends up on. Additional supporting appearances are made here by Revanta Sarabhai and Priyanka Raja as Kiara’s well-to-do parents Yash and Devika, who while spoiling their own daughter still more than hold a candle for Kanku and her family as well, despite their distinct class separation.
So, in total, “My Father Superhero” is another undisputedly resounding sensation, a film more than worthy of notice for its winning narrative, willingness to expressively display life in its victories and heavy, unanticipated challenges, tackle this through the eyes of a child, and do so with an unflinching realism so as to have the best and most persuasive impact on us. This critic does truly hope the film has gotten and will get its just due and acknowledgement, for we could ALL learn from this and then more plainly see that it’s not an exercise in vain to realize champions not only come in all shapes, sizes, genders, etc, but they could be right in front of us the whole time. Time to recognize them.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
