The mothers are deservingly remembered, and the fathers, I believe, warrant a greater level of appreciation.
As when a child is born,
a mother is also born and the father is overlooked. Gone are his days of
unlimited freedom, binge drinking, and occasional hangouts with friends. He
soon unknowingly assumes the role of a provider and a protector. He realizes
his new responsibility that comes at the cost of his freedom. He stares at his
newborn face and realizes that her destiny solely depends on his future
actions. He is no longer a free spirit who often took liberties even with
liberty itself.
For the rest of his life,
he fights a lonely battle. He confronts the uncertainties of his career,
financial challenges, issues relating to his aging parents, and keeping up with
myriad demands from family and friends. He may deliberately turn his eye away
from a friend who is in dire financial need, avoid a visit to his hometown to
see his aging parents and a much-needed personal time. He no longer craves an
occasional drink or a romantic night with his dear wife. Priorities have
changed for him and his needs are often placed in the waiting queue.
I see that anguish and
agony on my fellow men. Be it an undocumented immigrant climbing a border wall, a dad anxiously strolling outside a hospital aisle, or a man who attends a
job interview. I can see him through his eyes, I can hear him through his
heartbeat, I can sense him through his feelings. He is my companion and we both
commute together. I get distressed reading about child abuse, corruption,
climate change, and the rampant decline of morality. Issues that I never cared
to worry about. For me, it is time to adapt, learn and act quickly.
Coming to the Drishyam
movie was enticing, engaging, and thrilling. The script was brilliant and
the acting was exceptional. However, I didn’t watch this movie as a spectator,
rather, I was living along with George Kutty as I do with my fellow dads in
real life. I knew I could do nothing to help him but was certain that he would
come out of the quagmire... like any dad would. Dads are superhumans when it comes
to their families.
Suresh Jayaprasad
2/20/2021
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