Hamid : Movie review


Watched this movie on Netflix the other day. 


It’s an adaptation of the play titled Phone no 786. The story revolves around a seven-year-old boy whose father goes missing one night. He is eager to find and talk to his father. One of his classmates tell him that his father has gone to Allah. When Hamid finds out 786 is God’s number, he dials this number. Things take a turn when his call gets answered one fine day. Simultaneously the movie also showcases the political upheaval in Kashmir. 

 

Hamid is heartrending, poignant ad stirring. It entails how humans learn to cope with grief and loss. Eventually they learn to move on. Some parts of the film focus on the father-son relationship. The father is a boat maker and also a poet. The boy is eager to follow his footsteps. There are times when it feels that Kashmir is a silent character by itself. Its needless to say that the cinematography is brilliant especially when its filmed in paradise. 


Many scenes tug the heartstrings and cause the viewers to reach out for a tissue or two. The boy’s innocuous questions to the Indian soldier is bittersweet. The maturity of the seven-year-old and his ability to distinguish between right and wrong is astounding. It also depicts the life of the armed forces who are far away from their families. Hamid showcases the lives of 2 individuals who view each other as foes but are strangely connected via an accidental phone call. The phone conversations transcend religious barriers and borders and showcases connections purely on a humane basis. 

 

Hamid instills a sound message about finding peace and tranquility amidst yourself despite the turmoil and violence around you. Just like the still waters of Dal lake, you learn to sail smoothly and chalk your own path. 

 

Hamid won the National film award for the best feature film in Urdu and was filmed at the Mumbai film festival. 

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