Watch 15 Park Avenue

15 Park Avenue is a 2005 Indian drama film directed by Aparna Sen. The movie is a heart-wrenching tale of a woman's (Anu) fight against schizophrenia and how her sister (Meethi) tries to deal with it. Anu, portrayed by Konkona Sen Sharma, is a woman who suffers from schizophrenia. She is convinced that her lover, who had died earlier, had come to visit her and take her to his home, 15 Park Avenue, where she wants to live with him and their children. However, her reality is far from this.

Anu's sister, Meethi (played by Shabana Azmi), is a psychology professor who takes care of her sister. She tries to help Anu heal while trying to take care of her own life. Meethi is married to Jojo, who loves her very much but is unable to help her. Rahul Bose portrays the role of Jojo with great nuances and sensitivity.

The film deals with the sensitive topic of mental illness, and Aparna Sen does an excellent job of portraying it. The director has carefully highlighted the issues of schizophrenia and how it affects not just the individual but also their family and friends. The film also sheds light on the importance of mental health care and how society needs to accept and support those who suffer from it.

Aptly casting the characters, the acting in the movie is stellar. Konkona Sen Sharma delivers a brilliant performance and manages to make the audience empathize with Anu. Her mannerisms, dialogues, and facial expressions are believable, and she smoothly switches between her different personalities. Shabana Azmi also delivers an outstanding performance, portraying the role of a woman who is torn between her love and her duty towards her sister. Rahul Bose adds just the right amount of charm and playfulness to his character, while still maintaining sensitivity towards Meethi's struggles.

The film's cinematography is also commendable. The story moves between the bustling streets of Kolkata and the idyllic countryside, and the director has captured the beauty and chaos of both with equal grace. The use of sepia tones in certain flashback sequences adds depth to the film.

The film's soundtrack also deserves a special mention. Composed by Debajyoti Mishra, the songs are soulful and melancholic, perfectly complementing the on-screen emotions. The carnatic folk song 'Brihadeeshwara', sung by Bombay Jayashri, is a standout track in the movie.

Overall, 15 Park Avenue is a beautifully made film that deals sensitively with the topic of mental illness while still managing to tell a gripping story. The director has handled the sensitive topic with great care, never slipping into melodrama. The performances, cinematography, and soundtrack all contribute to making this an exceptional film. The movie highlights the need for mental health care and encourages society to view mental illness with empathy and understanding.