I Am

An anthology of four stories, each quite intense.....and as indicated by title, about recognizing and owning deep and difficult facets of oneself.

While Onir has picked difficult issues for each, his subtle and non judgmental style make it an intelligent and impactful film.

Considering each story plays out for a crisp thirty minutes, a lot is carried through the powerful portrayals.

I am Afia ; with Nandita Das, a woman who wants to have a child, only to find her husband is involved with someone else and wants a divorce..... and how she figures she can still go ahead and have that child.

I am Megha ; with Juhi Chawla and Manisha Koirala, a story based in Kashmir, during partition........exploring deep hurt and what leads to real forgiveness. 

I am Abhimanyu ; with Sanjay Suri, Nafisa Ali and Anurag Kashyap, on coming to terms with child sexual abuse, and again the ability to overcome and forgive.

I am Omar ; with Rahul Bose and Anurag Mathur, a story I personally found difficult to watch because of the police brutality and intolerance in the context of gay men, and how it being legal is yet only on paper.

Despite not being connected, each story grips you as it explores deep emotions of hurt and forgiveness.....and each story is left without closure.

Guess it is finally about 'freedom to be oneself', as the movie starts with the line from Tagore :

"where the mind is without fear and the head is held high....."

Strongly recommended