'Dear Dad' Review: Arvind Swamy's remarkable performance is hurt by slow pace of the narrative

Movie: Dear Dad
Cast: Arvind Swamy, Himanshu Sharma, Ekavali Khanna, Aman Uppal
Director: Tanuj Bhramar

What's it about 

A father-son story always makes an interesting premise for storytelling. After all, the age gap, awkwardness and clash of ideology can't be showcased better than in a drama set around a  boy and his dad. In Dear Dad, director Tanuj Bharamar weaves a sensitive yet real story about Nitin (Arvind Swamy) who decides to reveal an important part of his life to his son Shivam (Himanshu). The revelation comes early on in the film and the disclosure isn't shocking but makes us wonder how the sudden news of his father's choices will change gears in this fragile relationship. The film has a lot of conversation between Nitin and Shivam and there is also an important angle involving his mother. Bhramar uses landscapes and scenery to participate in the story-telling and try and elevate the quality of the narration. 

What's hot 

Performances are the saving grace of Dear Dad. Arvind Swamy reminds us why we missed him so much. His portrayal of a father who struggles to not only come to terms with his own identity but also musters up the courage to confront his son is remarkable. There is enough depth and class to his performance that keeps you engaged. Himanshu Sharma as his naive son who now faces the challenge of grappling with the truth at a young age is top notch. The best scenes in the film involving conversations between these two. The roller coaster ride of emotions that Shivam goes through is one of the highlights of the first half. The film also deals with the subject of coming out with a sense of maturity and sensitivity. It doesn't over dramatise the event, neither does it take away the seriousness of it.

What's not 

The pace of Dear Dad takes away whatever good the story and narrative do in the second half. The portions past interval are lethargic and heavy. Also with Kapoor and Sons dealing with a similar subject showed us that socially relevant subjects can be entertaining as well. While comparisons between these two films are unwarranted, Dear Dad fails to live up to the charm it set out to achieve. Also, the scenes between Arvind and Himanshu at times seem rehearsed and technical than natural and easy. 

What to do 

Dear Dad touches upon a brave and important subject of acceptance, love and compassion, we wish the film was able to have a wider reach with a better storyline. 

Rating: **1/2