Saaransh

Watching Saaransh almost after more or less two decades, was definitely an experience as it is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable movies is Hindi cinema, distinct from hoard of entertaining love stories and action films filmed around youth.

A story of deep sorrow, melancholy and equally hopeful, an old couple D V Pradhan and Paravati (played by Anupam Kher and Rohini Hattangadi) goes through waves on intense emotions after the death of their only son, Ajay, in New York. A strong relationship between the duo, one helps the partner to give a hand and pull out of emotional traumas turn by turn, supported by Pradhan's friend Vishu
D V Pradhan has lost the hope to live and make several attempts to finish his life when the pain of lost son becomes unbearable. Parvati has apparently accepted the death, tries to move on with life, supporting the difficult financial condition of the two by working in a Nursery when financial support stops after the death of Ajay and seeks support from a local spiritual guru

Pradhan ironically fights fierce fully with customs, bureaucracy when the ashes of his son are sent from US, but shatters totally in later moments. Parvati however seeks spiritual way and is assured by the guru that his son would be reincarnated very soon in the very vicinity of them.

While the couple rents out Ajay's room to a paying guest, a girl (Sujata) to get some relief from loneliness and for financial support. While Pradhan emotionally deteriorated tries to commit suicide. He expresses that he can not be dictated by sad and unjustified facts of life and determined to embrace death bravely on his own. Pravati decides to end her life with him as she finds no meaning to her life without Pradhan.


On a rather dramatic night Pradhan and Paravati are ready to end their misery of life, Sujata fights with her boyfriend when he suggest to abort the child from their illicit relationship . Parvati is convinced that Sujata has Ajay is her womb and walks away from the suicide thought. She is now more dedicated to Sujata and her unborn child, taking care of her in difficult preganancy. Both Pradhan and Parvati try to find meaning of life, Parvati hopeful for Ajay's rebirth while Pradhan appears to be realistic accepting the fact, still supports Sujata fighting for justice. Sujata's boyfriend lacks the guts to marry against his father's wish who is notorious local politician. While the politician makes various attempts to threaten Sujata to abort the child and harasses Pradhan to kick out Sujata from their home.

Story unfolds very dramatic events with the politician attempting forceful abortion, Pradhan and Parvati fight with courage with all odds and Sujata finally is reunited with her boyfriend who after realising his father's evil plans finds courage to marry Sujata.

While Parvati is still carried away by her illusions, reveals her secret agenda of getting Ajay back to Sujata. Pradhan alarmed by Parvati's mental health asks Sujata to leave with her boyfriend to start a new life, also gives away Ajay's TV, VCR and Refrigerator as a gift to their new life. Parvati shatters when Sujata leaves and encourages Pradhan to end their life seeing no future. But Pradhan has now gained balance over his agitation and ascertains that the life of the living can not end for the dead ones and the life is eternal, is the essence

While the story has many dramatic events, Pradhan's various attempts of suicide, and stalking and threats by politician's men, Saaransh unfolds strong relationship between the couple and their friend and their difficult stage at life. The emotional downfall and subsequent up-rise takes frequent turns, backed by strong attitude to support the partner. The movie also well presents the social side on 80's strongly driven by post-independence era, the freedom fighters, bureaucracy and increasing corruption.
The characters are played by great actors of the decade, show intense moments in rather traumatic events, the film is definitely a must watch for movie lovers.