Anuja short film Review: A Heartfelt Tale of Sisterhood and Sacrifice

Anuja: A Glimpse into a Harsh Reality

Anuja tells the story of two orphaned sisters, Anuja (Sajda Pathan) and Palak (Ananya Shanbhag) who navigate the harsh realities of life while working in a back-alley garment factory in Delhi. The film produced in collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering street and working children shines a light on the struggles of underprivileged girls in India. With a runtime of just 23 minutes, Anuja masterfully weaves a narrative that is both emotionally gripping and socially relevant addressing themes of child labour, education and familial bonds.

The film’s authenticity is amplified by its cast particularly Sajda Pathan a beneficiary of Salaam Baalak Trust whose raw and heartfelt performance as Anuja anchors the story. Backed by prominent producers like Guneet Monga, Mindy Kaling and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Anuja has garnered significant attention making it a must-watch on Netflix.

A Tale of Choices and Sacrifices

Anuja opens with a storytelling moment that sets the tone for the film. Palak narrates a Panchatantra tale about a loyal mongoose to her younger sister, Anuja, highlighting themes of loyalty and misunderstanding. This narrative device not only establishes the sisters’ bond but also serves as a metaphor for the choices they face. Anuja, a nine-year-old math prodigy, and her elder sister Palak work tirelessly in a garment factory to survive. Their lives are marked by poverty, but their love for each other provides moments of joy whether through sharing jalebi or watching movies.

The plot thickens when a schoolteacher, Mr. Mishra (Gulshan Walia), recognises Anuja’s intellectual potential and urges her to take an entrance exam for a prestigious boarding school that offers a full scholarship. The opportunity could transform Anuja’s life, but it comes with a catch: the exam fee of ₹400, a significant sum for the sisters. Palak determined to support Anuja’s dreams sells tote bags made from garment scraps to raise the money, even though she had been saving them for her own future.

However the factory supervisor Mr. Verma (Nagesh Bhonsle), discovers Anuja’s mathematical talent and offers her a higher-paying accounting job scheduling it to conflict with the exam. This forces Anuja into an impossible dilemma. Pursue her education and risk separation from Palak, or stay in the factory to secure their immediate survival. The film’s open-ended climax leaves Anuja’s decision ambiguous inviting viewers to reflect on the weight of her choice.

Performances: Raw and Authentic

The heart of Anuja lies in the performances of its lead actors Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag. Pathan, a non-professional actor and real-life beneficiary of Salaam Baalak Trust, delivers a performance that is both raw and captivating. Her portrayal of Anuja is filled with innocence, determination and quiet strength making the character’s struggles deeply relatable. Pathan’s ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue is a testament to her natural talent and the director’s sensitive guidance.

Ananya Shanbhag, as Palak complements Pathan beautifully. Her portrayal of the protective elder sister is heartfelt, capturing the nuances of a young woman torn between her own dreams and her commitment to Anuja’s future. However some critics have noted a slight disconnect in Palak’s refined Hindi dialogue which feels out of place given the sisters’ impoverished circumstances. Despite this the chemistry between Pathan and Shanbhag is undeniable making their sisterly bond the emotional core of the film.

Nagesh Bhonsle’s performance as the factory supervisor Mr. Verma, is equally compelling. He brings a menacing yet realistic edge to the character, embodying the systemic exploitation faced by the sisters. Gulshan Walia as the compassionate teacher Mr. Mishra adds a layer of hope to the narrative though his role is brief.

Themes and Social Commentary

Anuja is more than a story of two sisters it is a powerful commentary on the socio-economic challenges faced by millions of children in India and beyond. The film addresses several key themes:

1. Child Labour and Exploitation:

The film sheds light on the harsh realities of child labour, a pervasive issue affecting 160 million children globally as of 2020. Anuja and Palak’s work in the garment factory highlights the exploitation of young girls, who are often forced to prioritise survival over education. The character of Mr. Verma represents the systemic barriers that keep children trapped in cycles of poverty, offering false promises of better pay to maintain control.

2. Education as a Pathway to Freedom:

Education is portrayed as a beacon of hope in Anuja. The opportunity to attend a boarding school represents a chance for Anuja to break free from the factory’s oppressive environment. However, the film also underscores the inaccessibility of such opportunities, as even a modest exam fee poses a significant hurdle for the sisters.

3. Sisterhood and Sacrifice:

The bond between Anuja and Palak is the emotional backbone of the film. Their willingness to sacrifice for each other Palak giving up her savings and Anuja hesitating to leave her sister highlights the strength of familial love in the face of adversity. The open-ended climax reinforces the complexity of their choices leaving viewers to ponder the cost of pursuing individual dreams.

4. Resilience and Hope:

Despite its heavy themes Anuja is not a bleak film. The sisters’ resourcefulness such as Palak’s creation of tote bags from scraps demonstrates their resilience. Moments of joy like sharing delicacies or watching movies remind viewers that hope persists even in the darkest circumstances.

Cinematography and Direction

Adam J. Graves, an American filmmaker brings a sensitive and authentic lens to Anuja. Shot in New Delhi with an all-Indian cast the film captures the gritty realism of the city’s back-alleys and the stark contrast between the sisters’ world and the affluent spaces they navigate. Graves’ use of tight shots and muted colours enhances the sense of confinement while occasional wide shots of Delhi’s bustling streets evoke the overwhelming challenges the sisters face.

The film’s pacing is deliberate allowing viewers to connect with the characters’ emotions without rushing the narrative. The open-ended climax while divisive aligns with Graves’ homage to storytelling inviting audiences to engage actively with the film’s themes.

Cultural and Social Impact

Anuja’s collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust adds a layer of authenticity and purpose to the film. By casting real-life beneficiaries like Sajda Pathan the film bridges the gap between fiction and reality, amplifying the voices of marginalised children. The involvement of high-profile producers like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Guneet Monga the latter earning her third Oscar nomination, has elevated the film’s visibility sparking conversations about child labour and girls’ education.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas described Anuja as “a poignant, thought-provoking piece that makes us reflect deeply on the power of choices.” Guneet Monga’s track record with socially impactful films like The Elephant Whisperers and Period: End of Sentence further underscores Anuja’s significance in raising awareness about critical issues.

A Must-Watch Short Film

Anuja is a masterclass in short-form storytelling, blending raw performances, a heartfelt narrative and subtle social commentary. It captures the struggles of two sisters with authenticity and grace leaving a lasting impression on viewers. While it may not have won the Oscar, its nomination is a testament to its quality and impact. For those seeking a meaningful cinematic experience, Anuja is a must-watch on Netflix offering a window into the lives of marginalised children and the power of hope.

Whether you’re a fan of Indian cinema, short films or socially conscious storytelling, Anuja delivers an emotional and thought-provoking experience.