I Want To Talk Review: Abhishek Bachchan, Shoojit Sircar's film is a masterpiece that is equal parts tragic And celebratory

I Want To Talk

“Arjun's condition is like that of his bag. Battered, bruised, broken but still functional”. Exactly 14 days back when this critic got 80% of his stomach removed, he was nervous, scared and devastated all at the same time. Lying on the operating table, I felt like a guinea pig, a lab rat who will be dissected, probed while I am in deep sleep induced by anesthesia.

I Want To Talk Movie: Plot

It wasn't a surprise therefore that I found myself tearing up when Arjun Sen (played by Abhishek Bachchan) says to his doctor “I feel like a project”, when he explains to Arjun the surgical procedure. “Patients are like prisoners. Both have uniforms. They cant leave. The prisoners have handcuffs, patients have IV drips”.

This stunning analogy between jail and hospital shows just how defeating it is for a patient to stay in a hospital environment, especially if they continue to face one health-related setback after another. As for Arjun, who had multiple cysts, laryngeal and colon cancer, along with a 15 pound tumour over his stomach, the hospital becomes a second home.

I Want To Talk Movie: Performances

In a hilarious scene, Johnny Lever, who plays a repairman-cum-caretaker for Arjun, says “Why don't you move next to the hospital? You can simply move in and out when needed”. As someone who has had multiple illnesses over a span of couple years, I could strongly relate to Arjun's predicament. The repeated hospital visits, new symptoms and a fresh diagnosis can take a severe toll on one's mental well being.

It is therefore not a surprise that Arjun decides to end it all but is persuaded by Nancy to fight back. Nancy ironically dies by suicide because she, too, was struggling much like Arjun. Nancy's death, foreshadowed by a ‘Thank You’ box sent to Arjun, will leave you feeling emotionally devastated.

I Want To Talk Movie: Writing And Direction

As for the humour in the film, Arjun cracks plenty of jokes, all of which are very Phil Dunphy-coded. Some of my favourite ones being: "I am the brand ambassador of the Mushroom Council of the world, they call me Fun-gi" and "When two Sens are talking to each other, butting in between is in'sen'sitive". In another scene, after having 80% of his stomach removed, Arjun says “I am officially a gutless man”.

Sharp writing, witty humour and emotional gutpunches make Shoojit Sircar's film a phenomenal tale of survival, grit and perseverance. Dialogue by Ritesh Shah will have you smiling through tears. I Want To Talk is as much a father-daughter story as it is a heroic tale of survival.

I Want To Talk Movie: What Works, What Doesnt'

“Arjun Sen is fighting death. Eventually death will win. But Arjun will win 99 times. So, the final score is Death-1, Arjun Sen- 99”. The tale of survival against all odds will tug at your heartstrings. It will make you empathize and cheer for Arjun as he faces one health crisis after another. The film is as much a love letter to healthcare workers and nursing staff (think, the adorable Nancy) as it is a celebration of life and human spirit.

Star rating: 4 / 5 stars
I Want To Talk is now playing in theaters.