As a child, the happiest place on Earth for me was my grandparents’ home. It was a modest house in a small town, nothing fancy, yet it was always alive with people, smiles, and laughter. Even after my aunts got married and moved away, at least one uncle still lived with my grandparents, ensuring that they were never alone. This was not unique to my family – such scenes were common in most households of that time.
Fast-forward five decades, and the picture looks very different. Today, the number of older adults living alone has risen sharply. Children move out for various reasons, seeking independence, privacy, or better career opportunities in distant cities. While some parents adapt to this transition, many struggle with loneliness. Retirement, illness, and limited social interaction often magnify this isolation, creating a bubble that is difficult to escape.
This reality has increasingly found its way onto the screen as well. One such film I recently came across is Khidki (Window), which explores the themes of aging and loneliness with quiet sensitivity and fine artistry.
The global rise of short films has been remarkable, leaving a lasting imprint on the cultural landscape. Embracing diverse subjects, these shorts often provide deeply moving cinematic experiences, and Khidki stands out as one such poignant work of art. Directed by Anhad Mishra, the film premiered at the New York Indian Film Festival in June 2024 and won the Best Short Film award at the Indian Film Festival of Cincinnati the same year.
Glimpses of the story
A retired widower (Naseeruddin Shah) lives alone in a small one-bedroom apartment. His mornings begin with classical music playing on a tape recorder as he settles down with a cup of tea. With undiluted joy, he opens a window to watch the day unfold – children playing, lovers chatting, a mother walking her child to school.
That window becomes his only source of happiness, a fragile connection to life beyond his solitude, for no one seems to care about his longings. Even his estranged son, who visits occasionally, shows little empathy. He fails to see that the old man’s heart aches for his grandchildren and daughter-in-law whom he has not seen in five years.
The story culminates when he is asked by his landlord to vacate the flat he has lived in for twenty-seven years. Heartbroken, he resists leaving the place he so deeply cherishes. So what happens when the simple joy of gazing out of a window is taken away from a man already bearing the weight of loneliness? Therein lies the crux of the tale.
A talented team adds power to the story
The character of the protagonist is very skilfully crafted. The narrative brings to life a man filled with the milk of human kindness. For instance, he asks his domestic help Sonu to feed the stray dogs on the street. With tender affection, he often clings to his deceased wife’s shawl, even doing so as he plays chess. Naseeruddin Shah portrays this role with utmost perfection, unsurprising for an actor of such extraordinary caliber.
The nuances of human behavior are brought to the surface through minor characters who appear only briefly on screen yet leave a strong impact. Each actor embodies a different shade, be it unsympathetic, sweet, or cunning.
Meticulous presentation of a story
Khidki takes a microscopic look at the pandemic of old-age loneliness and at the same time handles matters that are relevant to the story. The concepts of time and change are introduced as forces that shape human lives.
Also apparent is the existence of the generational gap between father and son. While the son insists that video calls are enough to maintain family connections, the father rejects the idea, insisting that nothing can replace meeting in person.
There is an absence of melodrama, and the film conveys its message without moralizing. The conversations are few, yet the silences speak volumes, often more powerfully than words. Layered with poignancy, the story gently tugs at the heartstrings as it reveals a simple truth: that love and human connection are the most comforting balms for the elderly.
Available on YouTube, this film is a must-watch for those who cherish sensitive and meaningful storytelling.
rashmi writes 