Director – Kamal Chandra
Cast - Manoj Joshi, Ashwini Kalsekar, Annu Kapoor, Rahul Bagga, Aditi Bhatpahri, Harish Chhabra, Ishlin Prasad, Parth Samthaan, Shaan Saxena, Paritosh Tripathi, Uday Vir Singh Yadav   
 
"Hamare Baarah," directed by Kamal Chandra, takes on the weighty themes of patriarchal dominance and religious convictions within a family setting. Anchored by Annu Kapoor's compelling portrayal of Mansoor Ali Khan Sanjiri, the film scrutinizes the deeply entrenched views of a devout Muslim patriarch whose authoritative control over his household becomes a catalyst for familial strife.
 
The narrative unfolds with Khan Saab (Annu Kapoor), a devout and traditional elder, presiding over a large family that includes multiple wives and numerous children. The crux of the conflict arises when Rukshar (Ishlin Prasad), Khan Saab's young wife, faces a perilous pregnancy that could endanger her life. Despite the medical risks, Khan Saab staunchly opposes any consideration of abortion, citing religious beliefs that sanctify every child as a divine blessing. This ideological clash pits Khan Saab against his own family, who are torn between reverence for tradition and concern for Rukshar's well-being.
 
Anchoring the film's emotional core is Aditi Bhatpahri's portrayal of Alfia, Khan Saab's courageous daughter who challenges her father's dogmatic stance. Alfia's decision to seek legal intervention through Afreen (Ashwini Kalsekar), a fiery lawyer, becomes the focal point that propels the narrative into a courtroom drama. Here, the film attempts to dissect the complexities of familial loyalty, individual agency, and the broader implications of religious conservatism.
 
Annu Kapoor delivers a powerful performance as Khan Saab, embodying his character with a commanding presence and a resolute adherence to his beliefs, albeit at times bordering on theatricality. Kapoor's nuanced Urdu delivery adds authenticity to Khan Saab's character, grounding the film in cultural specificity. However, the film occasionally leans into melodrama, particularly in its courtroom sequences, where the conflict between personal convictions and legal justice is amplified.
 
While the film's intent to critique patriarchal norms and religious fundamentalism is commendable, it occasionally oversimplifies these complex issues. The portrayal of women, aside from Alfia, often reduces them to passive victims without agency, overshadowing their potential for nuanced character development. The romantic subplot between Alfia and Danish (Parth Samthan) feels contrived and detracts from the film's central focus.
 
Technically, "Hamare Baarah" is competent, with Kamal Chandra's direction maintaining narrative coherence despite the sprawling ensemble cast. However, the film's pacing suffers in parts, particularly in the second half where repetitive conflicts diminish the impact of pivotal moments. The musical score, composed by Annu Kapoor, fails to leave a lasting impression and adds little to the film's emotional resonance.
 
In conclusion, "Hamare Baarah" earnestly tackles pertinent social issues but falls short of delivering a nuanced exploration. While Kapoor's performance and the film's thematic ambitions are noteworthy, the narrative's tendency towards melodrama and its occasional didactic tone may limit its broader appeal. Nevertheless, the film's critique of patriarchal traditions and its advocacy for individual autonomy make it a thought-provoking watch for those interested in societal debates on gender roles and religious conservatism.