Amar Colony Review : Natural performances give this debut feature a distinctive voice, making it a compelling watch

Story: ‘Amar Colony’ delves into the lives of its diverse inhabitants, each grappling with their own struggles, passions, and secrets. As their paths intersect, they are forced to confront their deepest desires and emotional desperations.

Review: ‘Amar Colony’ is set in a sprawling wooden apartment block nestled in the misty hills of Shimla, a town known for its picturesque landscapes and colonial charm. The building, though old and weathered, exudes a certain rustic beauty, with creaking floorboards and ornate carvings that hold stories of generations past. Shimla-based filmmaker Siddharth Chauhan’s debut feature film opens with a striking scene where all the inhabitants of the colony sit together and eat in silence as the camera performs a full-circle turn, setting the stage for the intimate and interconnected narratives to follow.

First, we are introduced to Devki (Sangeeta Agrawal), a wheelchair-bound widow who lives with her son, who takes care of her every need. Devki’s life is marked by dependency and longing. Then comes Meera (Nimisha Nair), an eight-month pregnant woman whose husband rarely returns home from work. Lonely and yearning for intimacy, she forms a liaison with Devki's son, seeking comfort and connection. Lastly, it’s the ageing lady Durga (Usha Chauhan), who is a staunch devotee of Lord Hanuman and miraculously believes she is getting younger by the day. Her husband runs a garment shop, but hidden secrets threaten to surface through their grandson.

In ‘Amar Colony,’ Siddharth Chauhan explores the constantly shifting dynamics of the building with bold, confident strides. The characters are chained by their circumstances, unable to move past their current realities. Chauhan, who also wrote the script, profoundly understands the alienation and crushing loneliness that pervades this world. The film provides space and privacy to these characters, allowing their varying physical and emotional needs to surface authentically. When Meera embarks on a brief torrid affair, she mistakenly believes that no one will know. Yet, the revelation occurs like a minor slip, blending seamlessly into the web of secrets that envelop the colony. The characters lead double lives; their public personas starkly contrast with the hidden aspects that lurk behind closed doors.

The film’s dark shots, dim lighting, and meticulous camera work heighten the drama's intensity. The mundane mysteries are elevated by surreal strokes, including dreamlike sequences where Meera appears as Radha, Lord Krishna's consort and a goddess of love. These visual choices enrich the narrative, adding layers of meaning and emotion.

The drama loses some of its grip in the latter half when Meera's husband returns. His sudden reappearance feels rushed and directionless, lacking the depth and organic integration of the rest of the film. This abrupt narrative shift leaves a gap in understanding the evolution of their relationship and its current state. Additionally, the positioning of his character feels forced, not allowing enough space for his arc to develop fully.

Despite these narrative hiccups, ‘Amar Colony’ excels in its portrayal of complex characters and their hidden lives. The naturalistic performances and the director's ability to let the actors live their parts authentically stand out as remarkable aspects of the film. Siddharth Chauhan marks his arrival as a daring filmmaker who deeply understands loneliness and human connection. At 77 minutes, the film offers a distinctive voice and a compelling glimpse into the raw, unfiltered aspects of its characters' lives. Overall, ‘Amar Colony’ remains a powerful debut feature that resonates with emotional truth and artistic confidence.