Sarkeet Movie Review
Sarkeet: A Stirring Portrait of Emotional Turmoil and Human Connection
Thamar's Sarkeet is a poignant exploration of emotional conflicts, parenting struggles, and the complexities of expatriate life, elevated by compelling performances despite a slightly underwhelming climax.Writer-director Thamar's sophomore feature, Sarkeet, delves deeply into the emotional conflicts of its characters, whose personal and professional lives are riddled with dilemmas. Set in a foreign land, the film follows Ameer (Asif Ali), a young man desperately seeking employment as his visiting visa nears expiration. A chance encounter with his estranged father plunges him further into an emotional crisis.
Elsewhere in the Middle East, a couple-Balu (Deepak Parambol) and Stephy (Divya Prabha)-struggle to cope with the demands of raising their son, Jefron (Orhan Hyder), who has Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Their parenting challenges add layers of tension and vulnerability, forming the emotional bedrock of the story.
Thamar, who made a notable debut with 1001 Nunakal (1001 Lies), builds on his storytelling prowess in Sarkeet with a cohesive narrative. However, the climax falters slightly, lacking the same conviction that powers the rest of the film. The developing bond between Ameer and Jeppu feels underwritten, leaving the finale feeling uneven, though the film still manages to leave a heartwarming impact.
Opening with Jeppu's unique behavioral patterns, the narrative paints a vivid picture of how his condition affects his parents' lives. Balu and Stephy endure frequent embarrassment and emotional exhaustion, particularly Balu, whose stress spills into his workplace and marriage.
The performances are the film's strongest asset. Asif Ali delivers a powerful portrayal of Ameer, a 27-year-old from Edappal navigating the harsh realities of Gulf expatriate life. His scenes-taking on odd jobs, dealing with false accusations, and reflecting on fractured friendships-are grounded in authenticity. Swathi Das Prabhu, playing a vlogger and Ameer's friend, brings nuance to the theme of transactional relationships, culminating in a revealing moment of realization for Ameer.
Deepak Parambol, as Balu, is deeply affecting as a father burdened by his child's erratic behavior and professional setbacks. His portrayal captures the emotional toll of caregiving with great sensitivity. Divya Prabha is equally compelling, particularly in the film's second half, where Stephy's emotional arc gains intensity.
Child actor Orhan Hyder is a revelation as Jeppu. His naturalistic performance adds gravitas to the portrayal of ADHD, avoiding caricature and instead offering empathy and depth. Ameer's entry into Balu's home, initially with ulterior motives, leads to a transformative connection with Jeppu. From this point, the narrative becomes somewhat predictable, but not without emotional merit.
Govind Vasantha's evocative background score is another standout, underscoring the film's emotionally-charged moments with finesse. Despite a slightly compromised resolution, Sarkeet remains a thoughtful, tender portrayal of broken bonds, neurodiversity, and the resilience of the human spirit.
