My Brother Nikhil - A sensitively handled touching tale

Rating:- ***

The Indian cinegoer is being gradually exposed to path-breaking concepts in Hindi films. In this fast-changing scenario, the new-age writers and directors are picking up stories that are realistic, identifiable, straight out of life...

Defy the diktats of worn-out commercial cinema and swim against the tide - that seems to be the mantra of new-age film-makers!

MY BROTHER NIKHIL is an effort in that direction. The film looks at the HIV/AIDS issue in Goa in the '80s, when not much was known about the deadly disease. The misconceptions about the ailment and how it affected not just an individual, but his entire family, has been narrated in a profoundly moving manner.

MY BROTHER NIKHIL is perhaps the first Indian film that throws light on the gay relationship without making a mockery of one's sexual preferences. The issue is handled with utmost sensitivity and looks at relationships from a broader perspective. Clearly, Hindi cinema is coming of age and issues such as HIV/AIDS and gay relationships are being discussed with the same freedom and openness as any other issue.

MY BROTHER NIKHIL works for the aforesaid reasons, but most importantly for the emotional quotient it has to offer. It's a touching tale of a person who wants to live. Powerful and poignant, this is a lump-in-your-throat film!

Nikhil [Sanjay Suri] is the state-level swimming champion of Goa. He trained in the river, tamed the waves and ruled the pool. His father-cum-coach, Navin [Victor Bannerjee], has brought him up to be a sportsman and is proud of his son who has won a scholarship from the sports ministry.

His mother, Anita [Lillete Dubey], dotes on him and his elder sister, Anamika [Juhi Chawla], whom he calls Anu, is more of a friend to him.

The film tells the story of a man who suddenly falls from grace and is socially ostracized. His parents, friends and colleagues turn their backs on him. Suddenly, his whole world collapses. Nikhil is sent to a secluded hospital ward and kept in solitary confinement. Reason: He has tested HIV Positive.

Nikhil's father, who is unable to face social humiliation, abandons him. But Anu defies her parents and stands by her brother. Another person who stands by Nikhil during this difficult phase is his friend Nigel [Purab Kohli], his lover.

An uncommon story ought to have been narrated in the most distinct fashion and debutante director Onir does exactly that. In MY BROTHER NIKHIL, the characters introduce themselves to the viewer [as if they were being interviewed] and narrate the story of Nikhil, the protagonist, who is now dead.

Loosely based on Robert Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman's documentary COMMON THREADS: STORIES FROM THE QUILT [1989], MY BROTHER NIKHIL confronts us with the reality of HIV/AIDS with simplicity and straightforwardness. The beauty of the film lies in the fact that the emotion builds up gradually and the layers slowly envelope and grip you.

For a film of this genre to strike a note, it ought to be embellished with compelling performances and a strong emotional quotient. And MY BROTHER NIKHIL is rich in both the departments.

Editor turned director Onir's execution of the subject is laudable. One of its key accomplishments is that it clears the misconception that AIDS is a 'gay disease'. But the director scores distinction marks in the last twenty minutes of the enterprise. The emotional sequences are sure to melt even the stone-hearted and the finale, although tragic, talks of hope, not despair.

Cinematography [Arvind Kannabiran] is striking. The locales of Goa only accentuate the proceedings. Besides, the cinematographer has captured the gamut of emotions effectively.

Yes, the film has a minor blemish, but it has nothing to do with the writing aspect. The problem lies in the post-interval portions when the narrative gets very, very slow. Again, this aspect can be controlled with slight trimming.

MY BROTHER NIKHIL is embellished with superior performances and topping the list is, without doubt, Sanjay Suri. His performance deserves an ovation.

Juhi Chawla is in complete form. Another actor who stands out is Purab Kohli. Playing the role of the gay lover of Nikhil, Purab is extraordinary. Victor Banerjee is, like always, tremendous. Lillete Dubey is highly competent. Gautam Kapoor is efficient.

On the whole, MY BROTHER NIKHIL is a thought-provoking film.