Review: Pyre: A Poignant Tale of Love, Loneliness and Waiting!
After making a remarkable directorial debut with the critically acclaimed and unconventional film Pihu, director Vinod Kapri once again demonstrates his penchant for telling unusual yet deeply moving stories with Pyre (also known as Chita). Rather than relying on established stars or commercial formulae, Kapri has chosen relatively unknown, non-professional actors to bring authenticity and rawness to his narrative. Set against the picturesque yet increasingly deserted hills of Uttarakhand, Pyre is a meditative cinematic experience that explores love, loneliness, ageing and the harsh realities of migration.
The film revolves around an elderly shepherd couple, Padam Singh (Padam Singh) and Tulsi (Hira Devi Mishra), who live in an almost deserted village in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. With most of the younger generation having migrated to cities in search of better opportunities, the couple is left to fend for themselves in their twilight years. Their otherwise monotonous existence gets a sudden emotional boost when they receive a letter from their son Hariya, who left for Mumbai 28 years ago. The prospect of meeting their son brings renewed hope and excitement into their lives. However, when his promised return does not materialise, their happiness gradually gives way to disappointment and anguish. Through this simple yet emotionally charged premise, the film highlights the loneliness of the elderly and the heartbreaking consequences of migration.
The screenplay is deliberately unhurried, allowing the characters and their surroundings to breathe. The dialogues, particularly the couple’s sharp-tongued banter and everyday exchanges, lend a refreshing naturalness to the narrative. Kapri’s restrained storytelling and sensitive direction ensure that the film never slips into excessive melodrama. The cinematography by Manas Bhattacharyya beautifully captures the breathtaking landscape while subtly reflecting the isolation of its inhabitants. The background score by Oscar-winning composer Mychael Danna, along with Saar Singhal’s music and Gulzar’s lyrics, enhances the emotional depth. Padam Singh and Hira Devi Mishra deliver remarkably spontaneous and convincing performances, making their characters feel like real people rather than actors performing scripted roles.
Pyre is not a conventional entertainer but a thoughtful, emotionally resonant film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Rating: ***1/2
By Keerti Kadam