“Three of Us” is a touching and lyrical exploration of fading memories, featuring Shefali Shah as the central character, Shailaja Desai, Swanand Kirkire as Shailaja’s husband, Dipankar, and Jaideep Ahlawat as her childhood sweetheart, Pradeep Kamat. Avinash Arun takes viewers on a journey with Shailaja, away from the bustling and chaotic streets of Mumbai to the serene Konkan coastline. After years of yearning to revisit the small town of her childhood, Shailaja decides to fulfill her wish following her retirement. As a working woman, finding time for herself was a challenge, and it wasn’t until she was diagnosed with dementia that she realized the importance of preserving her memories.
Plot Summary: Unraveling the Film’s Narrative
Struggling with day-to-day activities, Shailaja maintained a small diary and a to-do list to cope with her absent-mindedness, eventually leading to her decision to quit her job. Working in the divorce division, she observed numerous couples seeking separation, convinced that most had already made up their minds about their relationships. Her husband, Dipankar, and their son became central figures in her life, but an unexpected desire to visit Vengurla, a place she had never mentioned before, prompts a journey to rediscover her past.
Rediscovering Old Connections: Shailaja and Pradeep
Upon arriving in Vengurla, Shailaja reconnects with her school friend, Gauri. Despite struggling with the present, Shailaja vividly remembers her childhood, showing a particular interest in Pradeep Kamat. Visiting the bank where Pradeep works, Dipankar supports Shailaja’s quest, even though he is uncertain about the significance. Pradeep’s surprise at seeing his childhood sweetheart after twenty-seven years unfolds, and as the three explore their school, Dipankar realizes the depth of the relationship between Shailaja and Pradeep.
Purpose of Shailaja’s Visit: Unveiling Past Trauma
In a poignant revelation, it is disclosed that Shailaja lost her sister, Venu, in Vengurla during her childhood. The trip serves as a final homage to her sister, challenging Shailaja to confront the traumatic memories surrounding Venu’s disappearance. With the help of a mediator, Shailaja addresses the emotional baggage she had carried throughout her life.
Complex Relationships: Shailaja, Pradeep, and Dipankar
As Shailaja and Dipankar explore the Vengurla fair with Pradeep and his daughter, the relationships between them unfold. Despite Shailaja’s dementia diagnosis, Pradeep expresses gratitude for her return and the opportunity to refresh her childhood memories. The film highlights the complex dynamics between Pradeep, Shailaja, and Dipankar, exploring love, understanding, and admiration.
The Unfinished Friendship: Shailaja and Pradeep’s Reunion
As the film concludes, Pradeep learns about Shailaja’s dementia, and the significance of her visit becomes clear. Shailaja’s struggle with memory loss is juxtaposed with the poignant memories she creates in Vengurla. The relationship between Pradeep and Sarika stands out for its focus on individual happiness and appreciation beyond words.
In the end, Shailaja accepts the inevitable decline of her memories, but the impact on her family, especially Dipankar and their son, Bharat, remains a haunting reality. The film encapsulates the bittersweet journey of rediscovery, acceptance, and the enduring power of memories.
About the Author
