Divided we fall There's no denying the fact that India is a nation that's divided by race, region, religion, language, caste, colour, economic class, and what not. The country is criss-crossed by fault lines everywhere, some prominent and known to all, and some others, hidden away, with lava boiling underneath, ready to spew fire and ash any time. "Anek", helmed by Anubhav Sinha is a narrative on one such fault line that lies in the North East, that is not a subject that's on your face as the media doesn't project it as an issue and therefore, it isn't on your face. The North Eastern states, rich with natural beauty and resources and a culture that's yet to find itself integrated with the rest of the nation, are less fortunate due to a lack of development and mired under several constitutional provisions. So, who will make that effort to make them inclusive, accessible, economically equal and culturally united with the rest? When shall we start treating our brothers and sisters there with dignity, respect and compassion, so they may integrate easily into what we call our motherland?
"Anek" isn't your usual "Mission Kashmir", there's no fairytale being woven. It is a sombre submission of the state of affairs of the North East where people run a lack if development and are yet reluctant to leave home to go to greener pastures elsewhere to seek a living, as they are aware that the rest of the nation doesn't treat them equally or well. Insurgency simmers, and there are leaders who stoke the fire on the one hand, and there are other powerful people who claim to be representing the people, but actually filling their own coffers with the government aid. Then there are bureaucrats from the government who project themselves as supporters of the people's cause, but only on the face of it - there's an altogether different intent playing in the background. With all of this, "Anek" makes a valiant effort to showcase the issues and raise an awareness in all earnest. It is a subject noire that highlights the chasm that separates the North East from the rest of the union and doesn't provide a comfortable situation. Whilst being true to the problem though, the film often goes into a documentary mode and doesn't offer a solution. Ayushmann Khurana is fantastic as usual, and Kumud Mishra and Manoj Pahwa add gravitas. Andrea Kevichusa plays Aido, the singular ray of hope who challenges status quo, and shines in the role of Aido. The progress is rather slow, and there's no scope for humour in the movie. "Anek" is for those who don't visit the theatre for just entertainment, but are ready to face the hard facts and embrace them.