Habeebi

It is clear that Meera wants to underline a person's connection to their roots and hometown, while establishing that the heart often wants what it wants. The emotional pull is evident, and the pain of that separation feels authentic. The director never villainises the one making that hard choice to leave. In fact, he acknowledges the realities that drive young people to seek opportunities elsewhere—to fill their stomachs and their wallets. It also has one of my favourite scenes where Abu Tahir’s chacha and chachi find comfort in each other’s’ voices through cassettes as they navigate the pain of mundanity. However, Habeebi places one too many signposts around the downsides of that decision that it unintentionally comes across less as a nuanced exploration and more as a discouragement masquerading as empathy.

Kasthuri Raja delivers a grounded and believable performance.