Daana Paani: A Meaningful, Feel-Good Story About Found Family

Regardless of the language or differing cultures, or even whether you're spiritually inclined or not, there are some cinematic works that feel so strangely endearing and moving that they leave a lasting impression, while also challenging one's worldview on certain complex topics such as love, destiny, spirituality, et al, and also leave one ruminating over the progressive and subtle messages contained within them. And Daana Paani (2018), an underappreciated period piece set in the Punjab hinterlands is just one such movie.

It opens in on protagonist Mehtaab Singh (played by an equally underappreciated Jimmy Shergill), a soldier stationed at the Indo-China border, who also shares his name with a fellow soldier. But unlike his namesake comrade in arms who is married, our lead character is a bachelor who has already made his peace with his loneliness and lingering emptiness, unable to find neither a sense of belonging nor a purpose or even love as a result of his status as an orphan which also renders him an outcast in the eyes of a society that judges/shames based on caste and marital status. However, the abrupt death of his namesake also indirectly results in a halt to Mehtaab's search for direction, as he is tasked with delivering his fellow soldier's belongings to his family back in Punjab. Of course, upon his arrival and despite him initially avoiding any confusion whatsoever by keeping his identity under lock and key, Mehtaab is inadvertently mistaken for his deceased namesake and now finds himself tasked into entering a 'marriage of convenience' with the other Mehtaab's young bride Basant, who will otherwise be ostracized in the village due to her newly widowed status.

While the screenplay by Jass Grewal is quite simplistic and also rooted in reality, this tale of two innocent yet unfortunate individuals finally discovering purpose and belonging, as well as recovering their dignity in the most unorthodox fashion is more so aided by the strong storytelling tools at its disposal. One such instance of the same are the parallels drawn between Mehtaab and Basant, who are both unwillingly rendered as social pariahs due to their respective backgrounds/ situations that were out of their control to begin with. Another touch of genius in terms of storytelling is the use of background score, songs and even lyrics which are sheer poetry in order to effectively communicate to audiences the emotional journey of both these characters- Ranging from upbeat and melodious ballads such as 'Rabb Khair Kare' and 'Kanda Kacheya Ne' accompanying scenes of a blushing, determined Mehtaab cheerfully jogging along with a newfound spring in his step and breaking into a jig in the sugarcane fields while on his way to usher in his 'Basant' (literally translated to 'new beginnings'), and later, the morose number 'Refugee' amplifying his sense of displacement as he is robbed of a chance at happiness and companionship due to yet another unfortunate turn of events during the climax.

Much like its equally progressive and thematically similar predecessor, Ardaas (yet another underappreciated and immensely wholesome Punjabi offering from 2016), Daana Paani also excels at touching upon how spirituality, divinity and selfless deeds ultimately intertwine in the due course of time, while also acting as a social commentary on regressive practices such as child marriage and the act of consent, the latter of which is depicted through the conversations between Basant's adoptive family and Mehtaab who expresses concern over this rushed marriage earlier on.

And if its themes and storytelling are its beating heart, then the performances feel very much like its soul. With Shergill's ability to emote with his eyes alone lending much sympathy to the kind and gentlemanly Mehtaab (we don't deserve this man!), and Simi Chahal also impressing with a mesmerizing and nuanced performance as the soft-spoken and graceful Basant. Gurpreet Ghuggi, who is more so celebrated for his comic timing in the Punjabi film industry but simultaneously showcased his flair for dramatic roles in Tera Mera Ki Rishta and the aforementioned Ardaas in the past , also holds fort with his compelling supporting performance as Basant's guardian, Master Bahadur Singh. Gurmeet Saajan also stands out with his pivotal role of Sepoy Bheem Singh who serves alongside Mehtaab in the war, and his powerful monologue in the first half on the unjust life of a soldier cements not only his acting prowess but also offers a distressing reality check on how political affairs have grown to be a burden for both civilians and the foot soldiers who lose their lives for their livelihood.

Overall, Daana Paani may be niche but it's definitely a far cry from the shallow mainstream and stays with you not only with the rich artistic choices, but also with its message of the power held by selfless and meaningful acts in deconstructing even the worst of social stigmas.