Watch Shwaas

Shwaas is a critically acclaimed Indian Marathi language film directed by Sandeep Sawant and released in 2004. The movie tells the story of a young boy, Parashuram, who is diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer and his grandfather's struggle to accept the diagnosis and decide on a course of treatment. The film is set in a small village in Maharashtra, where Parashuram lives with his grandparents. His father is a teacher in Mumbai and his mother passed away when he was young. Parashuram is a happy and curious child who loves to run and play with his friends. However, one day he loses his vision and is taken to a hospital in Mumbai where he is diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer.

Parashuram's grandfather, Sadashiv, is a retired school teacher who has a deep love for his grandson. He is initially shocked and devastated by the diagnosis and struggles to come to terms with it. He is torn between his love for his grandson and his scientific and rational beliefs that dictate that the best course of action is to follow the doctors' advice and remove the eye to prevent the cancer from spreading.

Throughout the movie, Sadashiv is haunted by doubts and guilt about the decisions he has made or is about to make, and he seeks advice from various people – doctors, neighbors, and fellow villagers – but ultimately it is up to him to make the final decision. The movie highlights the conflict between traditional beliefs, scientific knowledge, and personal emotions, as well as the complexity of decision-making in a situation where there are no easy answers.

The performances of the actors in the movie are exceptional, particularly that of Arun Nalawade as Sadashiv, who portrays the emotions and inner turmoil of his character with great sensitivity and depth. The young actor Ashwin Chitale, who plays Parashuram, is also excellent, conveying the innocence and vulnerability of a child facing a life-threatening illness. Sandeep Kulkarni gives a memorable performance as Dr. Sane, the chief surgeon who treats Parshuram.

The cinematography of the movie is exquisite, with beautiful shots of the rural Maharashtra landscape, evocative close-ups of characters' faces, and striking visual motifs such as the recurring image of a water droplet falling on a leaf. The music, composed by Bhaskar Chandavarkar, is haunting and melancholy, underscoring the emotional tone of the movie.

Shwaas was India's official entry to the 77th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category, and it won the National Film Award for Best Feature film in Marathi and the Best Film Award at the Pune International Film Festival. The movie has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its realistic portrayal of a family's struggle with a life-threatening illness and its exploration of complex ethical dilemmas.

Overall, Shwaas is a moving and thought-provoking movie that will linger in the viewers' minds long after the credits have rolled. It is a testament to the power of cinema to provoke empathy, convey emotions, and stimulate reflection on important issues. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian cinema, human emotions, and the ethical implications of medical decision-making.