Review: 'Three of Us' unites nostalgia and love in a cinematic odyssey backed with powerful performances

Three Of Us

Imagine a scenario where you suddenly discover that your ability to remember things has completely vanished, leaving you with no recollection of your past experiences. Director Avinash Arun Dhaware has beautifully captured this concept in his film "Three of Us," featuring Shefali Shah, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Swanand Kirkire in significant roles. This heartwarming story not only uplifts your spirits but also prompts deep introspection about the themes of love, life, memories, and encourages you to view life with a new sense of profundity.

Silence speaks a lot

As Shailaja (Shefali Shah) grapples with the early signs of dementia, she finds herself stuck between her past, present, and future. In an effort to reconnect with her fading memories, she embarks on a journey to revisit her childhood. Along the way, she confronts a traumatic childhood event, the routine of her marriage, and the complexities of her future.

Accompanied by her husband (Swanand Kirkire) and her childhood love (Jaideep Ahlawat), Shailaja travels along the picturesque Konkan coastline. This journey brings her closer to the forgiveness and freedom she has longed for. The film explores the discomfort felt by her husband when confronted with a stranger from Shailaja's past (Jaideep Ahawat), someone she never mentioned but clearly never forgot, even as she faces memory loss. 

What makes this love story remarkable is its maturity. It portrays love with a depth that acknowledges its place in the past while emphasizing the need for closure. There's no overreaction or rage, but rather a powerful silence that speaks volumes. "Three Of Us" is a film for mature audiences, skillfully delving into the backstories and emotions of its characters.

The Setting and other note-worthy elements

The Konkan backdrop, skillfully captured by Dhaware, serves as a picturesque setting for the film. Avinash Arun's cinematography deserves applause for his ability to showcase the beauty of the small Konkan village, making you feel like you're right there with the characters. Some scenes may appear a bit dim, with limited light on the actors' faces, but it seems to be a deliberate choice by Arun to symbolize the depth of the characters. 

The film's use of point-of-view shots and aerial drone views enhances the desire to escape to this charming Konkan village. The subdued background music adds to the movie's understated charm, avoiding any unnecessary extravagance.

The Performances

Shefali Shah, positioned at the core of this narrative triangle, adeptly walks the fine line between emphasizing her role and delicately handling the nuances demanded by her character. She masterfully conveys the complexities of a woman gradually succumbing to dementia with such subtlety and finesse. It's her remarkable ability to deeply engage the viewers in her character that elevates her performance to brilliance.

This film sheds light on Jaideep Ahlawat's versatility, proving that he's not confined to tough character roles; he can also embody softer, more delicate characters on screen. His seamless transition between emotions such as sadness, tragedy, guilt, and remorse demonstrates his exceptional acting prowess.

Swanand Kirkire brings an incredible subtlety to his character, making every woman wish for a husband as understanding as his portrayal. His emotive performance resonates so effectively that the audience effortlessly connects with his character.

The Verdict

'Three of Us' is more of an experience rather than a movie; an ode to nostalgia, memory and love, all binded with powerful performances and a simpler yet profound storytelling.

Rating

***1/2 (3.5/5) stars