‘Vanvaas’ Director Anil Sharma Sheds Light on the Pain of Abandoned Elders in Nana Patekar-Starrer
Anil Sharma, the visionary director behind Gadar 2, a film that shattered box-office records and reaffirmed the appeal of mass entertainment, could have rested on his laurels and pursued another surefire blockbuster. Instead, the director chose a markedly different path. With his upcoming film Vanvaas, he steps into a reflective narrative that delves deep into one of modern India’s most painful and often ignored realities—the abandonment of the elderly. ‘Gadar 2’ Director Anil Sharma Opens Up About ‘Vanvaas’ and His Creative Journey.
This shift underscores Sharma’s intent to use cinema not merely for entertainment but also as a platform to spark critical conversations. Coming off the colossal success of Gadar 2, he had every opportunity to chase projects that promised commercial success. Yet, he chose Vanvaas, a film that explores a sensitive societal issue. This decision highlights his evolution as a filmmaker who aims to leave a lasting impact beyond just box-office numbers, proving why he stands among the most responsible storytellers of his generation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many of us, Sharma found himself spending extended time with his parents. That period of closeness provided him with a startling realisation: not everyone gets the opportunity, or worse, the inclination, to care for their aging parents. The grim statistics speak for themselves. With India’s population aging rapidly, the plight of the elderly is becoming a silent national crisis. Places like Banaras, known for their spiritual heritage, are increasingly witnessing a troubling rise in abandoned elders, left to fend for themselves as their children view them as burdens.
Anil Sharma decided to shed light on this issue in Vanvaas. Drawing inspiration from Banaras’s heart-wrenching reality, his film goes beyond cinematic storytelling to deliver a poignant message. The choice of Banaras, with its religious and cultural significance, amplifies the gravity of the subject, serving as a metaphor for neglect in a land that traditionally revered its elders. ‘Vanvaas’: Aamir Khan Opens Up About Anil Sharma’s Film, Praises Its Impactful Story and Character Portrayal, Says ‘Really Good’.
Through Vanvaas, Anil Sharma tackles a growing cultural erosion—children who see their parents as a burden in their later years, especially when conditions like incontinence, dementia, or simple frailty make caregiving challenging. Families torn apart by toxic feuds and disputes over money also contribute to this heartbreaking reality. Sharma’s storytelling brings these hidden struggles to the forefront, presenting a mirror to society that demands introspection.
This is not a film designed to storm the theaters or set new revenue records—it is a story designed to touch hearts and stir consciences. In taking this path, Sharma stands apart in an industry often driven by glamour and spectacle, leveraging his platform to question deeply ingrained societal flaws.
Anil Sharma’s journey with Vanvaas showcases a commendable blend of professional bravery and moral responsibility. It takes a special kind of filmmaker, especially one with a recent All-Time Blockbuster under his belt, to step away from commercial formulas and venture into meaningful storytelling with uncertain returns. Vanvaas is a testament to his commitment to addressing uncomfortable truths while staying true to the craft of impactful cinema.
At its heart, Vanvaas is a call to action. It implores its audience to reevaluate their relationships, question their priorities, and confront a reality that is closer to home than many would like to admit. If Gadar 2 celebrated resilience and patriotism, Vanvaas is about humanity and responsibility.
