when Horror Yearbook – Dear Father is a gripping Indian drama that explores the complexities of familial relationships, generational conflicts, and hidden resentments. The story begins with a shocking event as Manu, the father-in-law, mysteriously falls from a balcony and slips into a coma. This incident triggers a series of flashbacks and revelations that uncover the friction between Manu and his son Ajay, along with Ajay’s wife Alka. The narrative uses this tragic moment to delve into deeper social commentaries surrounding patriarchy and the silent burdens carried by women in traditional households. Dear Father highlights not just the clash between modern values and old-world thinking but also questions whether age and authority automatically grant respect and understanding. This emotionally intense journey is accentuated by strong performances, particularly from Paresh Rawal, and raises a haunting question about how well we truly know the people we live with.
Dear Father unflinchingly portrays the traditional patriarchal mindset that dominates many Indian households. Manu represents the old-school patriarch who believes in controlling every aspect of domestic life, including his daughter-in-law’s actions. He constantly criticizes Alka for how she runs the house and spends money, undermining her at every turn. Despite her silence, Alka eventually breaks down, exposing the toxic control Manu exerts over her and revealing how she suffers in silence. Jakeja, the inspector investigating Manu’s fall, begins to see the emotional trauma Alka has endured. This plotline brings out the tension between outdated gender roles and the push for equality in modern India. Dear Father tackles this topic with sensitivity while highlighting how emotional manipulation can be just as damaging as physical abuse. It forces viewers to reconsider the expectations placed upon women and the emotional labor they are often expected to bear without protest.
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One of the standout elements in Dear Father is the strength of its performances. Paresh Rawal delivers a nuanced portrayal of Manu, presenting him as both a figure of authority and a relic of an outdated belief system. His interactions with Manasi Parekh as Alka and Chetan Dhanani as Ajay create a tense domestic environment filled with unspoken resentment. Alka, portrayed brilliantly, carries the emotional weight of the film as a woman trapped between respect and rebellion.
Ajay, a lawyer, serves as a middleman who initially fails to see the cracks in his household but gradually awakens to the uncomfortable truth. Inspector Jadeja, played by Kukul Tarmaster, provides a compelling twist by introducing different perspectives on Manu’s fall. The actors bring authenticity to their roles, making the audience question each character’s motivations and the layers behind their actions. It is the chemistry and emotional conflicts that elevate this film from standard drama to thought-provoking cinema.
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Dear Father employs a non-linear narrative, starting from the climax and working backward through a series of flashbacks. This technique allows the audience to piece together the story gradually, heightening suspense and emotional impact. The film cleverly blends mystery and drama, making the viewer constantly reassess what they know about the characters. While the core themes are socially relevant, the pacing at times becomes sluggish due to repetitive scenes and extended dialogues. However, the cinematography is elegant and reflective, capturing the nuances of everyday domestic life. The dialogues are well-written and serve to underline the emotional undercurrents within the family. Inspector Jadeja’s confrontations with Ajay and Alka are particularly gripping, presenting alternate theories about the accident that challenge viewers to think critically. Though the execution wavers in parts, the film succeeds in provoking dialogue about generational divides and emotional accountability.
Dear Father does not offer a neat resolution, and this is intentional. Instead, it leaves audiences wrestling with their interpretations and emotions. The ending twist adds complexity to the narrative, making viewers question the authenticity of the characters and their choices. The film does not portray any character as entirely good or evil but instead highlights the moral gray areas that exist within families. Viewers are likely to find themselves empathizing with each character at different points, which speaks to the strength of the writing. Emotional manipulation, generational conflict, and the pain of being misunderstood are central to the film’s message. Despite its flaws, the story resonates because it reflects real tensions found in many households. The emotional depth and moral ambiguity of Dear Father ensure that it will linger in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll.
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Writer: Sarah Azhari
Editor: Anisa
