Ek Duaa is a short film that encapsulates the problem of female foeticide faced by our country. It aims to give voice to the daughters that were never born. However even with a strong concept & script, the film has a sloppy build up and is stretched unnecessarily even though it does manage to deliver a strong climax.
Set in a muslim neighbourhood in Mumbai, the story centres around a family that is struggling to make ends meet. Abeda (Esha Deol) and Suleman (Rajveer Ankur Singh) have parallel lives as dictated by society’s gender roles. We see Suleman as a doting father when it comes to his son, while being ignorant to the presence of his daughter. Abeda is a devoted mother who is tormented by her mother-in-law and is being forced to have another son so that the family can be “complete”. The short film is quite predictable till that last twist which, in the opinion of this writer, is the only glorious moment of this film.
With perfectly styled hair, heavy makeup and beautiful clothes, it becomes difficult to believe that the family is supposed to be ridden with debt. Hence the film not only loses its credibility but also relatability with this error in its execution.
Although the film sets out to educate the public about the social evil of female foeticide, it’s length makes it for a dreary watch. Add to it poor acting and you have quite an unpalatable presentation at hand.
Ek Duaa marks the debut production of Bharat Esha Films & it has been directed by Ram Kamal Mukherjee. It is a part of the Voot Select Film Festival and is now streaming on Voot Select.
