‘Jaya Aar Sharmin’: A pandemic portrait of isolation and unspoken grief

Director Piplu R Khan's film "Jaya Aar Sharmin" thoughtfully examines isolation and hidden grief amplified by lockdowns enforced during the coronavirus pandemic. Set entirely within the walls of an apartment, the film depicts the emotional strain of prolonged confinement through its central characters, Jaya and Sharmin.

Jaya, portrayed extraordinarily by actress Jaya Ahsan, is a popular celebrity whose life takes a difficult turn upon learning about the suicide of an ignored follower. This tragedy triggers her gradual emotional breakdown, revealing a deep sense of loneliness beneath her public persona. Alongside Jaya is Sharmin, played by the talented Mohsina Akhter, whose powerful performance deepens the film's emotional impact.

Snippet from the film

Initially, Jaya's relationship with her helping hand, Sharmin, is marked by formality and distance. However, the forced proximity due to the ongoing lockdowns leads to a deeper connection. Sharmin, quietly dealing with her own hidden grief, becomes a compassionate caregiver to Jaya during her crisis, showcasing a shift from their transactional relationship to genuine emotional support.

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Jaya and Sharmin take over

Sharmin's personal struggles emerge with time, most notably when she shares her hopes for her son aloud, alone in the apartment, by saying, "My son will not work. He is the son of a king. He will only study and play."

As the outside world grows darker, with death counts rising and normalcy disappearing, the bond between Jaya and Sharmin is tested further. The film captures the delicate balance between love and self-preservation during a crisis, encapsulated in Jaya's repeated, poignant line: "All promises are false. Nobody came to rescue."

Visually, the film effectively conveys the claustrophobia and monotony of life during lockdown. Muted colours, lingering scenes, and recurring blue tones emphasise Jaya's depressive state. Additionally, the song "Haire Manush Rongin Fanush" provides an emotional backdrop, reinforcing the film's themes of vulnerability and introspection.

Snippet from the film

Ultimately, "Jaya Aar Sharmin" challenges viewers to consider their own sense of responsibility and empathy toward those around them. It raises questions: What losses do we unknowingly cause through neglect, indifference, or self-absorption? By the end, the audience goes through a quiet transformation along with Jaya as she moves from superficial concerns toward a deeper, more genuine connection with humanity and herself.

I walked in expecting a commentary on the pandemic, but I left with something far more personal. I love the way the film does not shout to prove a point. It slowed me down. "Jaya Aar Sharmin" serves as a moving reflection on the pandemic-induced isolation familiar to most of us, effectively capturing the nuanced emotional transformations within human relationships during extraordinary circumstances.