Saiyaara: love, music and mental well-being

 I watched the Hindi movie Saiyarra today... 

Am truly impressed! After long feel contented to have watched some great acting and a beautiful story.  

Liked most the acting and direction of the movie.  For first timers playing the lead role in a full length movie, I should say, they've done a fabulous job.  Of course, cinematic liberties aside, they appear spontaneous, and perfectly grooved into the role/character.  

Add to that I liked also very many other aspects which the story writer and the director have wonderfully woven into the love story.  It is true that the movie is primarily a love story - and a beautiful one at that too.  But along with it, I hope the audiences also take note and the media promote this movie as a support for the cause of mental well being.  Alzheimer is one mental illness that is specifically mentioned and spoken of, but I guess, it is a good beginning to help us Indians take the stigma out of such mental illnesses.  The movie also shows and explicitly states - rightly - how some such situations can be sensibly handled: the aspect of family support, regularity, role of emotions, medication, ambience...  

Then there is the family dimension that is upheld by the movie.  Be it in and through alcohol addiction, or facing Alzheimers... the irreplaceable strength and support of a loving and caring family.  The ending scene of the wedding, adds to the Indian cultural aspect of marriage and togetherness. 

The aspect of music serves as the invisible backbone/background of the whole movie.  But in a very clear way proving that music can be a very sensible way of handling mental well being. Well, let's say linking music, emotions and memories.  In this context, music evoking emotions and thereby reliving memories.  Those who have experience or know something about Alzheimer will realise the great link between the non-cognitive aspect (repeated actions, habits, hobbies...) and memories. 

Last but not the least, a typical characteristic of India: cricket!  Though not really necessary, the scenes and involvement of cricket into the storyline does not seem totally out of place.