Fatherhood is a multifaceted experience, a constant dance between love, responsibility, and the ever-present desire to guide our children towards a fulfilling life. Indian cinema beautifully captures this complexity, showcasing fathers who navigate the challenges of masculinity while striving to be pillars of support for their families.
These on-screen portrayals range from the stern disciplinarian yearning to connect with his son (think Amitabh Bachchan in Mohabbatein) to the goofy yet supportive friend (a la Aamir Khan in Taare Zameen Par). Fathers grapple with their own limitations, sometimes projecting their unfulfilled dreams onto their children, as seen in films like Iqbal. Yet, there's also an undeniable tenderness, a willingness to make sacrifices for their kids' happiness, even if it means letting go of their own desires. Homegrown's curated selection of films explores this rich tapestry of fatherhood, offering heartwarming, thought-provoking stories that resonate with audiences of all ages.
Bareilly Ki Barfi presents a refreshing take. Pankaj Tripathi shines as Narottam Mishra, a father who breaks the mold. Unlike the typical domineering figure, he's supportive and progressive. He encourages his daughter Bitti's (Kriti Sanon) dreams and allows her agency in choosing a partner, fostering a heartwarming bond built on trust and understanding.
Dear Dad tackles a sensitive topic: a father's coming out story. Nitin (Arvind Swamy) embarks on a road trip with his son Shivam (Himanshu Sharma), revealing a shocking truth that shatters their comfortable dynamic. The film explores acceptance, love, and the courage it takes to be true to oneself, even when it challenges traditional family structures.
Masoom delves into a more complex situation. DK (Naseeruddin Shah) brings his illegitimate son Rahul (Jugal Hansraj) home, disrupting the family's harmony. Shabana Azmi delivers a powerful performance as Indu, the wife grappling with betrayal. The film explores themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the struggle to rebuild a family unit fractured by a father's choices.
Udaan paints a stark picture of a strained father-son relationship. Rohan (Rajat Barmecha) dreams of becoming a writer, but his aspirations clash with his father Bhairav Singh's (Ronit Roy) rigid expectations. Bhairav embodies the toxicity of traditional masculinity, imposing his will and stifling Rohan's individuality. The film delves into the importance of breaking free from these cycles to pursue one's dreams.
Angrezi Medium explores fatherhood through the character of Champak Bansal, a single parent who prioritizes his daughter Tarika's dreams above all else. Despite his comical indecisiveness, Champak's love is unwavering. He's willing to go to extraordinary lengths, even resorting to questionable means, to fulfill Tarika's desire to study in England. The film highlights the sacrifices a father can make and the lengths he'll go to for his child's happiness. However, it also touches on the potential downsides of overprotectiveness, as Champak's constant presence hinders Tarika's agency.
If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:
Daddy Issues Are Dead: Unpacking The Fallacy Of 'Fatherless Behaviour'
Nisha Pahuja’s New Documentary Chronicles A Father’s Fight Against Rape Culture In India
Breaking Convention: How I Inherited My Father's Love For Stories & Yearning For Change