Watch Waiting

Waiting is a thought-provoking Indian drama from 2015 directed by Anu Menon. The movie stars Naseeruddin Shah and Kalki Koechlin in the lead roles with Jennifer Antony in a supporting role. With its powerful performances and subtle direction, the movie intricately weaves together themes of love, grief, and the fragility of human existence, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a well-written and well-acted drama.

The movie tells the story of two individuals, Shiv Natraj (Naseeruddin Shah) and Tara Kapoor (Kalki Koechlin), who are brought together by an unexpected tragedy. Shiv's wife Pankaja (Suhasini Maniratnam) is in a coma, and Tara's husband Rajat Desai (Arjun Mathur) is in a similar condition. Both Shiv and Tara, who are complete strangers, are forced to stay in the hospital for an indefinitely long period of time, waiting for their respective partners to wake up. As they spend time together, they form a bond and begin to help each other through this difficult time.

Through the movie, we see the two characters come to terms with their grief and learn to confront the challenges life has thrown their way. Shiv is an aged philosophy professor who is deeply in love with his wife Pankaja, who he has been married to for over 40 years. Pankaja's coma throws Shiv's life completely out of gear. He begins to question the futility of life and wonder if this is a sign that love and relationships are simply meant to end in tragedy. Tara, on the other hand, is a young and ambitious architect, who was forced to put her life on hold when her husband's accident occurred. The movie explores the various stages of grief that both Shiv and Tara experience, and how they help each other navigate through these stages.

The movie's pacing is slow and deliberate, giving ample time for the characters' emotions to unfold. The conversations between Shiv and Tara are long, yet never feel drawn out, as the dialogues are written so exquisitely that they keep you engrossed throughout. The performances too are top-notch, with Naseeruddin Shah delivering yet another masterclass in acting. The legendary actor brings a depth of emotion and character to the role, making Shiv feel like a real person with real struggles. Kalki Koechlin also delivers a wonderful performance as Tara, bringing a sense of vulnerability and strength to the character. Her on-screen chemistry with Shah is palpable and adds depth to the movie.

One of the key themes of the movie is the idea of waiting. Waiting for something to happen is a difficult thing to do, especially when the outcome is uncertain. The movie explores the psychological effects of waiting and how it can impact an individual's mental state. Waiting can be a source of anxiety and stress, and even bring out some of the darker sides of a person's personality. However, the movie also shows how waiting can bring people together, creating an unspoken bond between them that is based on shared experiences and emotions.

Another interesting theme explored in the movie is the idea of relationships. The movie portrays different types of relationships, from the deep love that Shiv has for his wife, to the dependency that Tara has on her husband, to the playful flirtation between Shiv and Tara. The movie explores how relationships can either be a source of comfort or a source of pain for an individual, depending on how they deal with them.

In conclusion, Waiting is a beautifully crafted movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll. The movie explores some of the most important themes of human existence, from love and loss to the fragility of life itself. The performances by Naseeruddin Shah and Kalki Koechlin are remarkable, making a quiet, introspective movie a must-watch for anyone who loves good cinema. Whether you are going through a difficult time in your life or are simply looking for a well-written drama, Waiting is a movie that will leave you moved and enriched.