Andolito Akax review: Lima Das dazzles as a caregiver in Samujjal Kashyap’s stirring commentary on mental health crisis

3.5/5

STORY: Determined to juggle a day job and care for her mother suffering from memory loss, a devoted daughter ends up jeopardising her own integrity and inner calm.

REVIEW: What begins as a tender portrait of a caregiver, reconstructs itself into a moving, insightful tale of the unspoken burdens of attending to a family member with Alzheimer’s disease. The new Assamese web series Andolito Akax (streaming on ReelDrama), which has met with ecstatic reviews by viewers, sees director Samujjal Kashyap dabble in a slew of plot devices - mental illness, social stigma, alcoholism and child neglect, to name a few. It’s an intimate yet hard-hitting observational piece that also launches an inquiry into social apathy, and our constant failure to even reach out to our next-door neighbours. A slow-burn of sorts, the narrative strives to look beyond the delicate relationship between the carer and the cared-for to shed light on the long-term psychosocial impact of broken homes on children.

Inspired by Monalisha Saikia’s eponymous novel, the story of Andolito Akax (which roughly translates as ‘agitated sky’) is set in Guwahati and centred on Mamoni Barua (Dr Lima Das) - who is uncomplainingly devoted to the well-being of her mother (Dr Jahanara Begum), a former insurance agent. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a few years ago, she now needs round-the-clock monitoring and periodic medical attention. Given that her father (Sanjeev Hazorika) is an alcoholic, who couldn’t care less about his ailing wife, the entire responsibility lies on Mamoni. 

It’s not that the thought of shifting her mother to a care home has not crossed her mind. But she wants to do as much as she can in their own house, oblivious of the toll it’s taking on her own mental health. Of course, the stigma attached to asylums is also at play here.

Mind you, she is not their only child. Mamoni has an elder sister Luna (Jolly Laskar), who had eloped at an early age; an elder brother Ron (Rajdeep Bora), who unable to bear the hostile and inconsiderate atmosphere at home decides to walk away unannounced; and a younger brother Baba (Achinta Raj Kashyap), who too migrates to Mumbai to pursue a career in music.

The story begins when Mamoni expresses her desire to take up the job of a teacher at a city school. Although none of the siblings have been around to look after their mother, Mamoni’s decision to step out for a few hours every day rattles them. As long as they are sending money for the mother’s treatment, everyone would like Mamoni to continue her role as the ‘permanent and most trusted caretaker’ at home.

Meanwhile, Mamoni’s childhood friend and beau Swapnil (Samudragupta Dutta), who also happens to be the Barua family’s neighbour, is patiently waiting for her to settle things at home and get married to him. But are his parents ready to embrace someone who belongs to a ‘family suffering from mental illness’?

Nevertheless, Mamoni accepts the job offer. The school gave her a new lease of life. It opened up a new world for her, as she finds her peace amid the bustle and affection from her colleagues. In fact, one of them - Bhushan Das (Deepak Kumar Roy) - reminded her of the missing brother, while another teacher Archana (Moonmi Phukan) becomes her dear friend and confidante in no time. At work, Mamoni is more than just a teacher. She is compassionate and exhibits an empathetic approach in understanding students’ psyche and their inherent skills. Years of caregiving has developed a keen sense of affinity in her, which now complements her profession too.

Things start to simmer again when Baba returns to Guwahati with his Chaitali (Kajol Sharma). They struggle to stay under the same roof, as the mother refuses to honour the daughter-in-law’s presence in the house. It was around the same time that Mamoni must also cope with the death of a close acquaintance, while her relationship with Swapnil also seemed to be falling apart. 

Here, Samujjal cleverly dovetails situations and the characters’ response to that, to drive home the message. Although said in layers, the narrative distinctly defines what it takes to push people to their breaking point. Andolito Akax is a fierce gaze at our failure as a society to extend support toward people with mental illness. The story calls for awareness, understanding and a deep discourse on neurodegenerative diseases, while also spotlighting the rather disturbing plight of carers. 

Also read: Director Samujjal Kashyap on Assamese web series Andolito Akax: ‘It’s a sensitive take on mental health’ | Exclusive

A strong script and the director’s lyrical, non-linear yet nuanced style of storytelling make his debut web series a memorable one. Samujjal seems to have deliberately avoided making a ‘villain’ out of any character, sensitively acknowledging the fact that ‘who knows what he or she is going through in their life’. 

Doubling Moonmi’s role as a friend and a narrator of sorts is a welcome move, while Abhishruti Bezbaruah singing the soulful title track is a bonus too! Overall, cinematography and the narrative flow appear to be seamless, but certain parts of the story and aspects of characterisation either seem haphazard or a little underdeveloped.

Known for her remarkable debut performance in Bhaskar Hazarika’s 2019 directorial Aamis, Lima dazzles as a self-effacing caregiver and a devoted daughter in Andolito Akax. Her calm and collected demeanour in contrast to her chaotic inner world only adds to the resolute and unwavering character she plays on screen. In fact, it wouldn't be completely off the mark to say that her performance in the web series is a masterclass in restraint and interiority. Coming as a close second is Jahanara, who does justice to her character by dishing out a convincing and well-balanced portrayal of someone suffering from dementia. Interestingly, both Lima and Jahanara are also medical practitioners in real life.

Irene Ali Choudhury leaves an impression as a young Mamoni. Among the other actors who deserve a special mention include Bibhuti Bhushan Hazorika (as Dr Goswami), Ranjeev Lal Barua (as Mamoni’s friend, Nihar), Naisma hussain (as househelp Shanti) and Achinta.

VERDICT: Samujjal Kashyap’s Andolito Akax is a must-watch for more than one reason. Besides drawing our attention toward a pressing issue, this well-intentioned and well-acted piece is also relatable in several ways. We may shy away from admitting it, but many of us are probably guilty of displaying a lack of empathy toward those who need it the most. With some stellar performances by a cast of seasoned actors, the director emphasises on closing that gap. But instead of taking a moralistic tone, the maker uses everyday examples to convey what can be described as a scathing critique of social indifference.