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Amu is a 2005 Indian drama film that was directed by Shonali Bose. The movie follows the story of a young woman named Kaju, played by Konkona Sen Sharma, who has grown up in America and returns to India in search of her roots. Kaju was adopted as a baby, and knows nothing about her true family or the country she was born in. However, as she travels around India with her boyfriend, she slowly realizes that there is more to her past than she ever thought possible.

As Kaju begins to explore her roots, she finds herself drawn into the homes and lives of the people around her. She learns about the history of India, including the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, and begins to piece together her own backstory. Along the way, she meets a number of intriguing characters, including a young boy named Kabir who is searching for his own identity.

The film is set against the backdrop of political and social turmoil in India during the 1980s and 1990s. The riots that Kaju learns about were a series of pogroms that erupted in Delhi after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. Thousands of Sikhs were killed in the violence, and the film explores the impact that these events had on the country and its people.

As Kaju delves further into her past, she begins to uncover painful truths about her biological family and the events that led to her adoption. She meets a number of survivors of the riots, including a woman named Shanta who was gang-raped during the violence. Kaju also learns about the work of human rights activists who are fighting to bring justice to the victims of the riots.

The film is a powerful portrayal of the impact of political unrest and violence on individual lives. Through Kaju's journey, we see the devastating effects of trauma on the psyche of survivors and of the next generation who were affected by the events. The film explores the themes of identity, trauma, and the power of memory, as Kaju grapples with her own past and the history of her country.

Konkona Sen Sharma delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Kaju, imbuing the character with a sense of vulnerability and determination. The film is also notable for its supporting cast, including Yashpal Sharma as Kabir's father and Brinda Karat as a human rights activist. The performances of the cast bring the film to life, imbuing the story with a sense of urgency and immediacy.

Overall, Amu is a thought-provoking and poignant film that delivers an emotional gut punch. The film explores themes that are as relevant today as they were when the events depicted unfolded, making it an important contribution to the canon of politically-minded cinema. It is a moving and tragic story that will leave viewers grappling with questions of identity, history, and the role of activism in bringing about social change.

Amu is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 54.