Astitva-Ek Prem Kahani, started off as a silver line in a grey sky clouded with predictable serials.While looking forward to this serial as an interesting story depicting the adjustments made in the married life of Abhi and Simran, one is shocked at the way Abhi’s character is woven.The character Abhi seems to be out of gear with no self control, lending ideas to the current married men.While it is not unusual or unreal to see promiscuous men in real life, there seems to be no element of conscience that Abhi seems to have in him, coming from the fact that he is from a typical middle class family brought up with middle class values. Most of his time is spent at his girlfriend’s flat, while he is being projected as a famous photographer - who does nothing.
Abhi....... the less said the better. He is extremely unpredictable and even Kiran looks confused now..!! When he is with Simran, he longs for Kiran.....When he is with Kiran, he talks about Simran. Else, he spends time at the studio, gazing at old negatives. Perhaps photograhy is an easy profession that gives way to affairs, long drives and dinners..!! I must change my profession..!!
The last I heard was Abhi muttering dialoges like, ’’ Simran closing a door does not end relationships..!!’’
But Abhi, did you ever know, closing a door implies opening another to more adventures..!! Have fun..!!
It appeared all along, that Simran was too dumb to appear as a qualified gyneac.It looked like that she herself would defend Abhi for his extra curricular activities.It seemed that if Simran continued to drink tea all day long in her flat and spend time chatting with her maid, Abhi and Kiran may produce children who may grow into teeangers!
But ever since Simran is shown awareness of the relationship, her stance to stay alone seems impressive. She seems so well groomed when she mentions that she does not need a weak man like Abhi as her support or anchor; she might as well live without him.
Character Manas is so beautifully developed and frankly, this character has emerged so well thanks to the person who is playing this role. He seems so bored with the activities around him that I fear the camera could catch him yawning at times.
Why do all our scripts have to develop characters either too black or too white....??
Abi’s grey shades are not realistic. They seem so illogical and almost resemble our hindi film villians.
Our scripts have the oft repeated storyline which loves portraying flawless, selfless women with their string of sacrifices, selfcentered men to whom deceiving comes naturally, which again is justified amply in the end..!
Scripts such as Astitva should help women like Simran learn the ropes of life,
confidently handle the problem and take practical decisions.
While Simran and Manas appear perfect for each other, Their perfect understanding can only translate to friendship, or so it appears. One should not distort the relationship by adding a new dimension of marriage.
The script can show how the deeds of Abhi backfire on him and how he realizes the mess he has gotten himself into and the steps he takes to reform himself.
Forgiving Abhi easily, will not prove any point whatsoever. It is strongly felt by the viewers the affection or bondage that lies between Abhi & Simran. It appears that age difference has not withered the freshness in their relationship, though one cannot say if this is what the director wanted to project.
Reforming oneself is not an easy task and annot be achieved overnight.
Abhi has to lead a solitary life for some more time and gain the lost trust before he can be accepted ( with reluctance and doubt ofcourse..!! )
Hey..!! I am going in circles, suggesting reform procedures to Abhi. Do the director or Abhi want to reform. I believe they are enjoying playing themselves...!! Neither does Simran care any more..!! Her mother in law has exhausted all the four letter words she wanted to paint Simran with and is resting now. Her father in law and sis in law are getting too sweet playing goody goody. What next..???