Title: Abhyanjana, Producer: Nageshwara Rao, Direction: Dinesh Baboo, Music – Dr Maharaj, Cinematography: Dinesh Baboo, Cast: Narayanaswamy, Kari Subbu, Apoorva Bharadwaj, Nageshwara Rao, Nidhi Chakravarthy and others.
Although this practice is a form of mercy killing and is not legally permissible, eminent director Dinesh Baboo, with his clever thinking, has brought out a pertinent point in his film Abhyanjana. Handling such a sensitive subject with dexterity, director Dinesh Baboo, who also handles the cinematography, undoubtedly opens the minds of many viewers.
This is somewhat similar to the practice of elderly people being left in Kashi when they are on the verge of death, awaiting their final goodbye from earth. If that is accepted as a practice, why not discuss the practice of Thalaikoothal?
Not often coming under the scrutiny of the law, Thalaikoothal is practiced in some parts of South India. However, the question remains: how are death certificates obtained when such a wrongful practice of putting a sick person to death is involved?
The practice of Thalaikoothal is nothing but a ticket to death. Elderly people who no longer possess the energy to survive are given an oil bath with cold water, followed by six tender coconuts and a glass of milk. The reaction thereafter leads to a slow death.
What makes the film particularly interesting for the general audience is the bonding between an ailing father and his devoted son. The son, at any cost, is not prepared to give up on his father. He sacrifices many things in his life and takes loans to continue providing medicines and treatment. There is also a cute grandson who is equally fond of his grandfather. However, a time comes when the humble son Hari has to give his consent, as the cancer in his father’s body becomes unbearable.
Director Dinesh Baboo adds one more class film to his kitty. On a shoestring budget, he has delivered a film with a strong emotional impact. Narayanaswamy as Hari is impeccable. He deserves an award, just as it is a must for veteran actor Kari Subbu. Kari Subbu, confined to a bed after a stroke attack, delivers a performance that is chilling and emotionally moving.
As the obedient wife, Apoorva Bharadwaj is superb. The child actors, with their innocence, are brilliant and add warmth to the narrative. Of course, Abhyanjana drags at places, but directors like Dinesh Baboo should never give up making such meaningful attempts.
