Why "Udaan" Deserves Your Attention: Underrated Masterpiece
Do you ever finish a movie and feel it linger? The characters, the story, they stay with you long after the credits roll. "Udaan" is one such film, an exceptional coming-of-age story that deserves far more recognition. This movie is an emotional rollercoaster that explores themes of family, abuse, and the power of self-discovery.
3/30/20242 min read
As someone who truly loves watching movies and analyzing them, it comes naturally to me. Do you ever find yourself in a situation where, even after the movie ends, you keep replaying the scenes in your mind? Sometimes, you interpret them in poetic ways and essentially live with those movies, characters, and their lives for a long time. It’s a beautiful process.
I can't understand why "Udaan" is so underrated despite its exceptional storytelling and character development. Rohan being expelled from school, discovering his half-brother whom he was unaware of, and navigating his relationships with his father and others in the film take you on an emotional rollercoaster.
The film begins with Rohan being expelled from school and returning home to meet his step-brother, Arjun. Bhairav, played brilliantly by Ronit Roy, is his controlling, abusive father, making it difficult for Rohan to adjust. Rohan feels nothing for his step-brother initially and is often rude to Arjun.
What truly touches Rohan's heart is discovering that Arjun, whom he sees as a "little monster," is also suffering from physical abuse, evident from the scars on his back in the hospital. This scene marks a turning point in Rohan and Arjun's relationship and brought tears to my eyes. Living in a home without a mother and with an abusive father is unimaginably cruel. Witnessing Rohan and Arjun begin to bond brought me a sense of relief. Sibling connections like theirs are rarely depicted on screen.
I despised Bhairav for his abusive, alcoholic behavior throughout the film. However, upon reflection, I now understand that Bhairav's attitude may stem from his inability to express grief, a trait ingrained in him from his upbringing. His grief manifests as anger, destroying his relationships and those he loves. However, he remains unwilling to change, making it difficult to sympathize with him.
Rohan's deep love for writing, poetry, and storytelling is suppressed by Bhairav, who forces him to work in the factory. Despite this, Rohan finds a way to break free, taking Arjun with him when he leaves. "Udaan" is an underrated tale of love, connections, and breaking free from our problems.
