The issue with the senility of the elderly is one that has been tormenting the whole world in essence, since no medicine has been found for these kind of diseases (Alzheimer's) and the burden the people who take care of the ill occasionally seems Sisyphean. Ayan presents his view on the subject in a short that depicts it however, through a prism of filial love.
“Startup: The Real Story” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
The 15-minute short starts somewhat surrealistically, with a pigeon standing on a stone structure of sorts. Soon, the frame opens and an elderly lady sitting on a chair is revealed. She tries to think about something and to act on something that is only in her mind, but her voice does not reach Malati, the maid who is cooking inside the kitchen. Soon, the elderly lady moves inside the house and starts searching for something inside some suitcases filled with clothes. The maid, who was talking to the phone, finally takes wind of what is happening and comes to her. At that point, Babu, the the old lady's son arrives to the house, somewhat aggravated for Malati's delay to open the door. A call to the doctor reveals that his mother is suffering from some kind of debilitating sickness of the mind, while her search is revealed to be for a sweater she wanted her son to wear in school. Babu treats her lack of connection with reality with love and understanding.
Ayan directs a movie that seems to state the “medicine” for senility is filial love, with Babu being the medium of this message. At the same time, and in a secondary level, he also deals with the concept of memory and nostalgia, essentially stating that even when the former is gone, the latter still remains, along with the feeling of motherly love.
At the same time, however, the excessive use of music leads to some moments of forced sentimentalism which are totally unnecessary, while the depiction of Malati as some sort irresponsible “villain” borders on being racist, even more so due to Babu's behaviour towards her.
On the other hand, the cinematography by Ayan himself works quite good, even managing to include some images of beauty in a setting that is more dramatic that beautiful, while Swapna Banerjee as Mother gives a great performance, highlighting the issues her character faces in a fashion that is both eloquent and measured and Pinaki Mazundar as Babu is convincing both in his frustration and understanding.
“Dodo” has some issues, which seem to have something to do with the director's overall mentality, both regarding his technical approach (the excessive music) and society (the presentation of the maid) but his main message does come through quite eloquently, and through a narrative that is cinematically appealing.
