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First, the Recap:
Recalling. Rekindling. Reawakening. There are the crossroads we arrive at that will soon test exactly what level of willingness we can manifest to do one of two primary things–give up or move on. While we always need those moments of reflection and respite in the wake of harder realities, it is still that question lingering in the back of our minds. If we choose the former, it’s almost in many ways expected. But, what about a decision for the latter and the newly forming significance it might contain? For Nima (Vee Kumari), this juncture has come. As the frustration of a wholly appreciated but as of yet fully fulfilled life weighs on her, she turns to an unanticipated source to ease her mind and soul, ushering in a surprising and heartening journey that more than clearly shows life’s meaning, and her own existence, are far from over.
Next, my Mind:
With initially heavy then decidedly joyful atmosphere, dramatic and comedic flare, full relatability, and multiple morals/messages that perfectly suits someone of any age or perspective, this charmingly intelligent, beautifully executed short from writer/director/executive producer Puja Mohindra and writer/producer Rich Clarey wonderfully engages the viewer from start to finish and leaves you with a calmly vivid portrait in your mind of just how precious yet unpredictable and messy this life can be–and it’s ok! Among a wealth of other thematic explorations being delivered through the narrative, it truly is this ultimate realization that creates the cornerstone concept for the events that unfold, at least this was what was evident for this critic while enjoying a screening of the film as it played as part of the 2021 Virtual South Asian Film Festival presented by Toyota USA, supported by AARP, produced by Jingo Ventures, and in association with DFW SAFF & NYC SAFF.
As mentioned above, the notions being exhibited are more than applicable to any individual, regardless of age, even as this particular film is illustrating its points through the eyes of an older woman whose suddenly found herself needing some form of relevancy and sense of purpose as the world around her continues to move frenetically ahead of her. Familial connection is a factor that is portrayed as a challenge for someone of advancing years residing in a contemporary world that is so bent on everything moving at lightning pace and with utterly distracted “attention spans”. Additional forays into human interaction, however, open the doors to the next steps and very much showcase the freedom that can be encountered that one might thought would ever come about again. The film skillfully portrays this venture into the unknown with an excellent degree of plausibility, and hence makes the film so realistic and grounded.
Additionally, dealing with loss, relating to younger generations, finding common ground in foundational relationships with people overall, being able to listen to others and offer sincere, unforced views and encouragement to them, and just regaining and accepting the fact that life will have its hardships and troubles, but that’s not a bad thing, it is all so magnificently wrapped within the outer shell of what it is to just BE. By the film’s absolutely pristine finale, the entirety of what we’ve witnessed and been provided to consider from these various tangents, along with the core ideas, dwells with you richly and with an intentionality that once again cements in this critic’s mind why I (how much do I say it, right?) LOVE indie cinema and the wealth of humanity it emphasizes, sums up, and puts forth for us to, well, consider. Along with being thoroughly entertained, of course, which is a no-brainer here as the purposeful mix of drama and comedy is superbly balanced.
Kumari is a delightfully enchanting gem, filled with an evident passion and for her art, possessing a quiet but authoritative air, yet at the same time so being sublimely accessible. I first experienced the actress in a standout performance as Sujata the 2019 HBO APAV-award winning short “Halwa“, and she once again delivers here through her title role as Nima, a 60-year old woman who longs for what’s now past and remains apprehensive about how to move forward in the present. Despite her daughter and family being with her, Nima still feels outside the scope of life until a visit to her local beauty shop yields an unforeseen opportunity that sends her off an a new adventure where she comes to acknowledge and embrace that while things may not always be the picture of “neatness” we might desire, it doesn’t mean everything has to fall apart. It’s a brush with sadness, loneliness, anticipation, excitement, and rejuvenation that Nima has arise, and Kumari embodies the full range of this emotional spectrum with style, poise, and captivating grace.
Pivotal, and also perfectly entertaining, supporting roles abound in the film through performances by Puja Mohindra as Nima’s daughter, Andy Nagraj as her son-in-law, Karina Arya Hans as her granddaughter, and Om Lapsiwala as her grandson, all of whom are initially oblivious or simply uninterested in Nima’s plight or interests until the choice Nima makes to change her reality. Dan Flannery, Kaitlyn Griggs, and Helen Joo Lee are Ramon, Molly, and Minx, the owner and two co-workers that Nima becomes involved with at the beauty shop and who more than have a fair say in getting Nima to loosen up a bit and reclaim FUN. Additional appearances are made by Jacqui Graziano, Sofie Neff, and Katie Incardona as clients Nima attends to and whom she’s able to connect with and offer needed advice to each in their times of sharing at the shop.
So, in total, “Nima’s Beauty Shop” regales us with a relevant tale of what it is to restart one’s actuality, see the good in hard times, be willing to take a risk in putting yourself out there again and the refreshing avenues that can be revealed because of it, and that things are just NOT going to be ideal ALL the time–which, again, is OK! When we actually take the time to recollect, looking back on all that’s shaped us into who we are, the rocky instances make sense in their objective and resolve, hopefully aiding us in finally seeing that when it all comes down to it, we just need to let go, be released, and LIVE!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
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