Review: Hamid (2019)

People often say God answers all our prayers. We often reach out to Him in several ways. But other than the regular places of worship, have you ever tried calling God on his own phone number?

Directed by Aijaz Khan and based on the play ‘Phone No.786’ by Mohd. A Bhat, ‘Hamid’, starring Talha Reshi, Rasika Dugal and Vikas Kumar portrays the tale of longing in a land of conflict.

Set in conflicted Kashmir, it is a story about a boy, who in a bid to talk to his deceased father, calls God by dialling 786. His life takes a turn when his call actually gets answered.

The film shows multiple facets of emotional loss. It beautifully portrays the relationship shared between a father and son. The Kashmiri folk song ‘Hukus Bukus’ adds an added emotional sentiment while you sit and ponder over the times you shared with your father.

‘The White Elephant’ director does not shy away from portraying the corruption in the Indian beauacracy. In a particular scene where Ishtar Ali (Rasika Dugal) goes to the police station for an update on her husband, her files get exchanged with another lady sitting there. As she points that out and exchanges the files, the lady says, “Kya farak padta hai beta, dono ko deemak padne hi hai.” (What difference does it make daughter, the termites will eat them anyway.”

When we think of Kashmir, we normally think of snowy mountains and small houses. However, the production design done by Mohd. Sikandar Ahmed and Mohd. Shamim Khan gives a whole new outlook to Kashmir, something we normally would not imagine. A rustic and antique feel remains persistent throughout the film. The cinematographer John Williams also makes a use of a lot of soft lighting throughout the film.

Hamid gives a fresh perspective to human resilience. It encourages you to break away from the shackles of your past and keep moving forward. It portrays the will to move on. And move on, we must.