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’31st October’: A cathartic experience

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'31st October'Film: “31st October”; Director: Shivaji Lotan Patil; Cast: Soha Ali Khan, Vir Das, Lakhwinder Lakha, Deepaj Rana, Vineet Sharma, Nagesh Bhonsle, Daya Shankar, Maneet Vaghadia; Rating: **1/2

This film pays tribute to the Sikhs killed after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 and those Hindus who helped some Sikhs survive the aftermath of the fanatics’ wrath.

With over 8,000 Sikhs reported killed after the assassination, this film is an indirect plea to prosecute those responsible for the mass killings.

The dramatized narrative, based on a true story of a family who experienced the nightmare, follows the lives of Davinder Singh (Vir Das) and his family which consist of his wife and three children, on that fateful day.

Narrated in a linear format, the screenplay is simple and effective with hourly updates, beginning from 6.30 am right till the assassination, giving glimpses of the various localities, inhabited by Sikhs in Delhi. How the tension and horror unfurls, forms the crux of the tale.

With a beard and a turban, actor Vir as the do-gooder, Delhi Electric Supply Undertaking employee with a low blood-pressure problem is sincere in his portrayal of Davinder Singh. But at times, his sincerity sticks out as an over-the-top act.

Actress Soha Ali Khan as Davinder’s wife Tejinder looks natural, performs ably and matches Vir in her histrionics. But she fails to be consistent in her accent.

Lakhwinder Lakha, Deepaj Rana and Vineet Sharma as their family friends – Yogesh, Pal and Tilak seem genuine and honest. Nagesh Bhonsle as Inspector Dahiya in a two scene role is impressive.

The script written by Producer Harry Sachdeva is blatantly straightforward and basic. It effectively shows the organised massacre along with plight and helplessness of the Sikhs. And it is astutely mounted with moderate production values.

On the technical front, Nandita Pandey’s costumes, Harish Kumara’s art direction with some, old film posters, radio and old television sets, replicate the period to the hilt. The sepia tone frames add to the charm. But the visuals begin on a shaky note. Ramani Ranjan Das’ un-steady camera work is disconcerting, but nevertheless captures the setting and the tragedy with all sincerity.

The background score and the songs are soulfully rendered and add to the pathos of the narrative.

Overall, the film despite its earnestness, leaves much to be desired but for the makers it sure is a cathartic experience — and the last scene says it all.

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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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