Awe

Story:

“Awe” is a compelling 2018 Indian Telugu-language film, represents a groundbreaking venture into the cinematic landscape. Crafted as a psychological cross-genre piece, it marked the feature debut of director Prasanth Varma. The film, produced by Nani and Prashanti Tipirneni under Wall Poster Cinema, boasts an ensemble cast featuring Kajal Aggarwal, Nithya Menen, Regina Cassandra, Eesha Rebba, Srinivas Avasarala, Priyadarshi Pullikonda, and Murali Sharma.

Additionally, the voices of Nani and Ravi Teja contribute to the film’s unique auditory experience. Awe delves into the complexities of psychological issues and social problems, addressing sensitive topics such as child abuse, sexual abuse, and drug abuse. Released globally on February 16, 2018, the film received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences alike.

At the 66th National Film Awards, it secured accolades for Best Special Effects and Best Make-up, further solidifying its impact in the industry. The narrative unfolds through interconnected stories, one of which revolves around Shiva, a watchman and aspiring scientist attempting to construct a time machine to reunite with parents he hasn’t seen in years.

A mysterious woman named Parvathy claims to be his future self, traveling back in time to prevent their imminent death. Nala, a struggling man, takes center stage in another storyline, applying for a chef position despite lacking culinary skills. His unique companions, a talking goldfish named Nani and a communicative bonsai tree named Chanti, add a surreal twist to his culinary journey.

The film weaves in the tale of Radha and her partner Krish, challenging societal norms as they confront the disapproval of Radha’s parents towards their same-sex relationship. Krish, a psychiatrist, sheds light on Radha’s past, influencing her sexual orientation. Moksha, an 8-year-old magician, and Mira, a barista grappling with drug addiction, contribute additional layers to the narrative.

The stories unfold concurrently in a restaurant setting, creating a tapestry of diverse and interconnected lives. The climax reveals a startling truth: the characters are facets of Kali, a young woman with multiple personality disorder. As Kali prepares for a tragic end, signing organ donation documents and a chilling death note, the intertwined stories converge, culminating in a revelation that all the characters are manifestations of her troubled psyche.

In a poignant conclusion, Kali takes her own life, symbolically releasing the burden of her fractured mind. Simultaneously, the virtual personas she embodied meet their demise, leaving behind a powerful exploration of mental health and the intricate interplay of reality and illusion.