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Film Review: A Tale of Trauma, Masculinity & Missed Redemption
A poignant tale unfolds in this cinematic venture—featuring a misunderstood yet deeply loyal son (played by Ranbir Kapoor), neglected by his ambitious father (Anil Kapoor) and reduced to a protective presence only when around his mother and sisters. After a botched assassination attempt on the father, a revenge-driven narrative sets in motion, unearthing secrets that fracture the family's already fragile facade.
However, the film falters in delivering disclaimers about gender violence and illegal acts, choosing instead to glorify the 'alpha male' archetype. It becomes a disconcerting mix of emotional provocation and superficial storytelling, where the character arcs fail to evoke any lasting empathy.
Key Takeaways
1. Healing Begins with Responsibility
The protagonist suffers not just neglect but profound misunderstanding. While we see his pain, there arises a pressing question—how long can one merely “deal” with trauma without transforming through it? Healing is not passive. If the characters in the film had confronted their personal responsibilities, could reconciliation and growth have taken root sooner?
2. Parental Neglect Breeds Generational Trauma
The film highlights intergenerational trauma—where success for one becomes rejection for another. Resentment brews in silence, and we see a family held together by broken pieces. Power offers no protection from emotional inheritance; unhealed wounds ripple through generations, anchoring everyone in a cycle of unresolved pain.
3. Love is a Process, Not a Possession
Love in the film appears entangled with violence, control, and displacement of anger. While the protagonist may be well-intentioned, his actions mirror toxicity. In contrast, the antagonist appears more emotionally grounded, exposing the blurred lines between villainy and vulnerability. Love, as shown here, is anything but steady—it shifts from desire to betrayal, making us reflect on how dangerously misconstrued “love” can be.
4. Relationships Aren’t Meant to Last Forever
There's an unspoken pressure in society to make relationships last “forever.” This film confronts the truth that not all bonds are meant to persist. What matters more is whether those connections allow us to grow authentically. Letting go—though painful—is sometimes the healthiest act of self-love.
5. Cultural Representation Needs Disclaimers
The vibrant wedding scenes and Bobby Deol’s remarkable presence are noteworthy, yet the film desperately needs a disclaimer. Glorifying hypermasculinity, revenge, and control under the banner of entertainment without nuance or caution can be misleading, especially considering the ongoing women’s rights movements in the Middle East and beyond.
6. Know Your Rights in Relationships
From recording intimate moments without consent to using them manipulatively, the film showcases disturbing relationship dynamics. Control is masked as care, eroding trust and agency. As viewers, it's crucial to know: These actions are not only unethical—they’re illegal. Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected in their relationships.
7. Do the Ends Ever Justify the Means?
Infidelity is framed as a sacrifice for family welfare, and violence is cloaked in moral justification. But we must ask—at what cost? When ambition eclipses love and empathy, the family unravels. Justifications lose weight when the damage is irreparable. The film barely scratches the surface of these dilemmas, failing to inspire reflection or compassion.
8. Safety is an Emotional Experience
Despite their wealth and status, characters in the film constantly feel unsafe—emotionally, mentally, and physically. True safety isn’t about bodyguards or fortresses; it’s found in trust and connection. Ironically, each character seeks solace in just one or two people, despite always being surrounded by many. Real safety comes from emotional authenticity.
9. To Err is Human—But What About Redemption?
Every character is flawed, which should make them relatable. But instead of exploring growth or redemption, the film leans into control and chaos. Fragility becomes a plot device, not a learning curve. It’s a missed opportunity—because human error should be an invitation for healing, not just more destruction.
10. It’s Never Too Late to Speak Up
The storyline pivots on missed chances for resolution—until it’s “too late.” But in real life, it’s never too late to ask for help, express emotions, or admit defeat. Healing might not come in grand cinematic moments—it often begins quietly, with the decision to no longer suffer in silence.
Final Thoughts
Even as criticism and noise surround most films today, they can still hold mirrors up to our society. This story, flawed though it may be, offers glimpses of truth: Healing isn’t easy, but it is necessary. It demands unlearning, humility, and the courage to let go of versions of ourselves we’ve clung to in pain. And that is the most powerful comeback of all.
This post represents the author’s personal views and reflections. iDare does not endorse or take responsibility for the opinions expressed.
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Image Credits: Wikipedia