Watch Aashayein

'Aashayein' is a 2010 Indian drama film, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor and starring John Abraham, Anaitha Nair, and Girish Karnad in lead roles. The film revolves around Rahul (played by John Abraham), a compulsive gambler who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. He decides to leave his mundane life and travel to a hospice in the holy city of Varanasi, where he hopes to find salvation and make amends for his past mistakes.

The story of 'Aashayein' is a poignant one that touches upon the themes of life, death, redemption, and the search for meaning. The film begins with Rahul's carefree life as a gambler, who spends his days and nights in casinos and bars, living for the moment and not thinking about the consequences. He is in a relationship with Nafisa (Anaitha Nair), a shy and introverted girl who works as a librarian. Their relationship is strained due to Rahul's addiction and lack of commitment, but they do genuinely care for each other.

Rahul's life takes a drastic turn when he is diagnosed with cancer, and the doctor gives him only a few months to live. He is shattered by the news and feels hopeless, as he has always lived in the moment and not planned for the future. But soon, he comes across a group of terminally ill patients who have taken refuge in a hospice in Varanasi, where they are cared for by a kind-hearted doctor (Girish Karnad) and a compassionate nurse (Sonal Sehgal).

In the hospice, Rahul meets a diverse group of people who are facing their own mortality and trying to find peace and closure before they die. He strikes up a friendship with Govinda (Ashwin Chitale), a young boy who is suffering from leukemia and has a zest for life despite his illness. He also meets Padma (Prateeksha Lonkar), a mother who is trying to reconcile with her estranged son before she dies.

As Rahul spends more time in the hospice, he begins to realize that there is more to life than just living for oneself. He starts to form bonds with the other patients and staff and becomes an integral part of their lives. He also learns about the philosophy of 'Aashayein,' which means hopes and dreams, and how it can give meaning to one's life.

Throughout the film, there are several touching and emotional moments that explore the human condition and the fragility of life. The performances by the cast are top-notch, with John Abraham delivering a nuanced portrayal of a man who is searching for meaning in his life. Anaitha Nair is exceptional in the role of Nafisa, bringing depth and vulnerability to her character. Girish Karnad and Sonal Sehgal are also terrific as the kind-hearted doctor and nurse who bring compassion and care to the patients.

Overall, 'Aashayein' is a thoughtful and moving film that deals with universal themes in a sensitive and nuanced way. The movie emphasizes the importance of love, hope, and human connection in the face of mortality, and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. With its beautiful cinematography, haunting music, and strong performances, 'Aashayein' is a must-watch for anyone looking for an inspiring and uplifting story.