This writeup has no spoilers
The Backdrop
A viral tweet about the plumber scene got me interested in the movie “Kapoor and Sons”. The YouTube link to the scene I am referring to is below.
But it didn’t quite motivate me to watch the film. I didn’t even Google it or try to watch its trailer. I never felt like watching it.
But this Friday night, the thought randomly hit me. I checked if this movie was available on any of the streaming platforms. I found out that it was available on Netflix. The trailer shown on Netflix was rather uninteresting, pointing at a plausible love triangle in the movie.
Layers
The movie has several layers built into it.
That of an unhappy married life.
An old man trying to fulfil his dream.
Neglected son trying to find his identity.
A golden son trying to protect his reputation.
Orphaned child trying to cope with her emotions.
These layers merge into each other quite smoothly and make way for an intense cinematic experience. The plotline thickens even as it moves at a glacial pace and arouses intense emotions in the eyes of the viewer.
At the heart of the movie lies the idea that everyone is flawed in some way or another. These flaws should be accepted or forgiven to maintain a relationship with an individual. Of course, the flaws will hurt people in the surroundings. To what extent, and are they worth bearing? And when do you realise that the forgiveness or acceptance is too late or too feeble?
When the individual realises that he/she is flawed and tries to mend ways, should the victim, often a close family member, forgive? Or is it too late for some apologies? And how do you deal with the regret that ensues after you’ve failed to forgive or accept a person’s flaws?
These are the questions that “Kapoor and Sons” tries to address through its script.
Accepting One’s Flaws
The movie laid bare some of my core wounds related to flaws and forgiveness. Of course, I have forgiven everyone who has wronged me. But I have often failed to accept myself, especially my flaws.
In the past, I believed an individual can be almost flawless if you try to live life from a rational POV. However, I have only recently learnt that emotion is also a component of rationality. By stifling emotions, even your rational decisions can’t be implemented.
Even Lord Rama, the perfect man, is not flawless. Then how can an individual be flawless? One can accept others’ flaws only if the individual can accept that he is also flawed. And it’s natural to be flawed and make mistakes.
I’ve learnt this the hard way. And maybe I’ll be able to deal with other humans far more effectively if I can accept myself and recognise that even I am flawed. The process began barely a month ago. But I’ve travelled far in this direction.
“Kapoor and Sons” reinforced my thoughts in a very persuasive yet emotionally sensitive manner.