After a long time, Bollywood brings out a clean Hindi movie that stays away from the typical presentation of violence, explicit scenes and double meaning songs. Astitva tackles the basic issue of marital relationships with the opposite gender.
Astitva is about a woman’s struggle to find her identity
Aditi (Tabu) is a middle class Indian housewife and a mother who seems, outwardly though, happy and content with her life. Her husband, Srikant
Often he has one-night-stands with other woman and the only times when he showers his love on his wife is when he needs to satiate his sexual desire.
Aditi has been left a fortune by Malhar (Mohnish Behl), Aditi’s former and now deceased singing teacher. The suspicious mind of Srikant wonders why Malhar had left all his fortune to Aditi. I He discovers to his disappointment and frustration, that Aniket is actually Malhar’s son. Both Srikant and Aniket decide to discard Aditi.
Tired of her drab existence and unable to take anymore Aditi walks away from marriage, her household and her family in search of herself.It is the beginning of a new life, the opening of a new chapter and the dawn of a new day.
Using flashbacks with a lot of intelligence, the director has maintained a decent pace throughout the movie and compels the viewers to stay glued. I will recommend all married couples to view
Aditi ‘s character (Tabu) – at times is repressed, at times oozing confidence, at times frigid, at times sensuous –
Only in the end does Tabu opens up the floodgates and let out all that has been simmering inside her.
Using flashbacks the director has maintained a decent pace throughout the movie.