CineBits_'How Old Are You'

It was my second stab at the regional cinema in the recent times and incidentally both were Malayalam movies. Have watched loads of regional cinema on DD during late 80s,early 90s, when the satellite channels were yet emerging and DD was creative in its own ways as the ‘sky’ is not dictated by the western media tycoons. While ‘Drishyam’ was recommended by an inspirational colleague, and will be remembered for the story telling and for Mohanlal’s awesome performance, ‘How Old Are You’ will be remembered for the tribute to the Indian woman and a superb portrayal by Manju Warrier.

It’s about a middle aged woman, a homemaker in a small town of Kochi and the finer aspects of her life initially dealing with her mundane and unsatisfactory government job, a teenage school going and daunting daughter, a loving but negligent husband, and her tryst with the graying hairs. And then later on the moments which phenomenally change her as a person, regaining her self-respect, confidence, and becoming an entrepreneur, creating rewarding jobs in the neighborhood, and promoting an environment friendly culture.

A must watch for the Déjà Vu with Erin Brokovich and English Vinglish, and an equally compelling performance by Manju, which is her come back movie after a long hiatus of 15 years. And also for the overall feel good factor about India!

Yo&U.....