If you are like me, I love watching movies. I like the idea of immersing into a fantasy world for some time and have some fun in general. But weirdly, I find it extremely hard to watch movies at home now. I break it into so many parts. I guess I make it a series on my own, watching 20-30 mins a day and half the time never completing the movie. That’s why I love the idea of going to the theatre. At least I watch the whole movie.
But watching a movie alone is a whole different experience. Sometimes, I want to watch these cheesy, tragic and super weird Bollywood movies which no one around me wants to watch or sometimes I can’t seem to coordinate my “I want to go watch a movie” mood with my friends’ schedule or their wish list. Most of the times I end up missing out on the movies, but this time, it was a Saturday and I had no plans. Plus I was like really really bored at my place.
I think I have seen like three movies in total in my life alone. So as you might have guessed it has been a while since I watched a movie alone.
The Movie
So, well, I went in to see “Uunchai“. A recent Bollywood movie that has just released. And let me tell you it was amazing. I actually took the trouble of traveling for almost an hour to watch this movie. Credits to all theatres near me not showing this movie and also I would rather watch this movie than “Black Panther” honestly. I don’t know, personally, I connect with these movies more. I feel like I learn something about life or can take an advice or two, which does add to me as a person.
Let me tell you what the overall plot was. It is a story about a group of four friends, around the age of 70 I am guessing. One of the friends in the group has always had the fascination of trekking to the Everest Base Camp. None of the other three ever agreed to do this until he dies. Their friend’s death becomes a reason for them to trek to the base camp. And yeah, they do it of course and honestly, it looked so beautiful on screen.
Takeaways
Firstly, the movie is filled with small life lessons all the time. It is a beautiful mosaic of memories and regrets. You can get a sense of how different choices of each of these characters lead to vastly different circumstances in their old age. There is also something about seeing people enjoying through their 60s and 70s which is so wholesome to watch. I guess age does bring in some comfort in being yourself, the way you are. I definitely think, (no matter how much I cribbed about turning 25) year after year, you tend to get closer to who you are in the real sense.
Secondly, the cast is spectacular. Everyone doing their genuine best. But honestly, there is nothing more beautiful than seeing the legend – Amitabh Bachchan, dancing through as he turns 80 this year. It is inspirational, mind-blowing and magical to see him on screen, being all in at this age. I don’t know if anything else could come as close to success than enjoying what you do for so many years. I have loved him in many many movies, but this experience has been beautiful. If you are in mood for a good cry, check out this video of his son wishing him on his 80th birthday.
Also, when I was coming out of the theatre after watching the movie, I was like okay the movie is really good but obviously, the plot is hypothetical. I mean, come on, three aged people trekking to Everest Base Camp sounds really nice but I don’t think that is possible. But then I googled it up. And it is not hypothetical at all. Not just the Everest Base Camp, in fact an 80 year old Japanese man actually climbed Mount Everest. Just imagine! The physical fitness level, drive, motivation of an 80 year old trying to summit the Mount Everest. And so, I have added one more item in my bucket list. Not that I think I can do it, but I guess I can start small. Do the smaller snow treks like this one and you never know, one day. Getting ahead of myself as always, obviously. But yeah, it was so inspiring to know about this.
But my most important takeaway from this movie, has to be the song :
this is life, of this life
ये जीवन है, इस जीवन का
This is this, this is this, this is the color
यही है, यही है, यही है रंग रूप
this is life
ये जीवन है
There is something about old songs. They touch your heart in more ways than one. This song is used masterfully throughout the movie and I came out of the theatre wanting to listen to this song over and over again. Please give it a listen. I hope it brings you some joy, especially if life is not really going the way you want it to.
And lastly, the best part of it all is that I watched the movie alone. Well, not in the introverted or arrogant sense, I am hardly that (debatable at times). But the fact that I did not wait for company, on some days is very very empowering. There is something special about spending a day with yourself. Treating yourself with a good movie (accompanied with popcorn which you do not have to share with anyone), a good coffee or a good meal, all by yourself. I did end up getting an extra sweet and unhealthy frappe after the movie. But it was worth it while listening to a newly married couple’s honeymoon plans. I hope they spend more time in Switzerland. 2 nights is not enough. If you are planning to do everything you are supposed to, on a honeymoon lol :p I could not help. I was trying to not use my phone and airpods for a while.
So take this as a sign to go do some of these things all by yourself, for yourself. Plan one day just for yourself every week. If nothing else, you could at least do a long bubble bath. Baths are legit the best thing in this world. Coupled with good Bollywood music!
That’s all for today I guess. But please stick with me while I tell you about all my ordinary life experiences. I am loving that you are part of my journey. Read about my never have I ever’s here. And also some other challenges that I am working towards.
Read more about me here 🙂
