Watch I Am

I Am is a 2010 Indian anthology film that explores various social issues prevalent in contemporary Indian society. The film consists of four separate stories, each of which is connected thematically and features a different set of characters. The first story, titled "Omar," focuses on a young Muslim man named Omar (played by Rahul Bose) who returns to his hometown in Kashmir after a long absence. Omar is haunted by memories of his past, particularly the violence he witnessed during the Kashmiri insurgency, and struggles to come to terms with his identity as a Kashmiri Muslim in a post-9/11 world.

The second story, "Afia," centers around a single woman named Afia (played by Nandita Das) who is desperate to become a mother. Afia decides to pursue artificial insemination, but must deal with societal backlash and legal hurdles in order to realize her dream.

The third story, "Abhimanyu," follows a young boy named Abhimanyu (played by Sanjay Suri) who is sexually abused by his teacher. Abhimanyu's parents must decide how to react to the abuse and whether to pursue legal action against the teacher.

The final story, "Megha," features an aspiring actress named Megha (played by Juhi Chawla) who revisits her traumatic past when she encounters a former high school classmate. Megha is forced to confront the sexual abuse she experienced as a teenager and the long-term effects it has had on her life.

Throughout the film, director Onir uses a documentary-style approach to explore the social issues at the heart of each narrative. The film's overarching message is one of compassion and empathy, with each story highlighting the struggles and triumphs of marginalized individuals.

In addition to its storytelling, I Am is notable for its casting, which includes several well-known Bollywood actors in non-traditional roles. Rahul Bose, in particular, delivers a standout performance as Omar, giving depth and nuance to a character grappling with complex emotions.

Ultimately, I Am is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that shines a spotlight on important social issues often overlooked in mainstream Indian cinema. Its message of empathy and the importance of human connection is universal, making it a film that speaks not just to Indian audiences, but to audiences around the world.