Mithya movie story: Mithun, also known as Mithya (Athish S Shetty), is an 11-year-old boy who, along with his younger sister Vandana, is relocated to Udupi from Mumbai by their maternal aunt and her family following the tragic loss of their parents in quick succession. Displaced from the only life he has ever known, Mithya, who is more proficient in Marathi than in Kannada, must adapt to a Kannada-medium school and navigate the challenges of riding his cousin Anu’s ‘ladybird’ bicycle. Simultaneously, he grapples with the emotional turmoil surrounding his parents' untimely deaths and finds himself at the heart of a custody dispute between the families of his mother and father.

Mithya movie review: The loss of a parent is profoundly heartbreaking, regardless of one’s age; it is a sorrow that is challenging to reconcile. Sumanth Bhat, a debut filmmaker, presents "Mithya," which delves into the themes of tragedy and grief through the eyes of a child. This subject has long captivated my interest, particularly as I have often listened to a cousin recount her experience of losing her mother at a very young age. She often reflects on how different her life might have been had she been raised by both parents. Despite lacking memories of her mother, her assertion that no caregiver, including her maternal grandmother and aunts, could truly replace a biological mother has resonated deeply with me.

This connection is what made the premise of Sumanth’s film particularly impactful when I first learned of it. How does a child navigate the experience of loss? Is it simpler for a young mind to adapt and move forward, or do the effects linger in a significant way? Drawing inspiration from a real-life event, Sumanth crafted a narrative centered on an 11-year-old boy named Mithun, also known as Mithya, whose life is irrevocably altered following the deaths of his parents—his father succumbing to illness and his mother taking her own life. Following this tragedy, he and his younger sister, Vandana, are taken in by their maternal aunt and her family, with whom he seems to have a reasonable relationship, while his paternal relatives are also vying for custody. Compounding his distress, he is left to ponder whether there was any foul play involved in his father's demise, as suggested by his family.

It is understandable that Mithya expresses himself through various actions, whether it involves ignoring a call, engaging in theft, or confronting older boys in the neighborhood. Although Sumanth suggests that the rumors surrounding Mithya’s deceased parents may hold some truth, the narrative does not delve deeply enough to clarify the events that transpired. The audience gains insight into Mithya’s perspective, revealing the tumultuous and abusive nature of his parents' marriage, which deteriorated further with the arrival of the younger sibling, and anticipates the implications of this understanding on the boy's future.

Athish Shetty, portraying Mithya, undoubtedly serves as the film's centerpiece, guiding viewers through the character's emotional journey, often through nonverbal expressions that reflect his inner thoughts. Equally impressive is Prakash Thuminad, who plays Surya, the husband of Mithya’s aunt Jyothi (Roopa Varkady). Despite his limited financial resources, Surya is committed to providing Mithya with a home, even at the expense of his daughter Anu's comforts. The dialogues between Surya and Mithya regarding Vandana stand out as some of the film's most poignant moments. The supporting cast, particularly the younger actors, also deliver commendable performances. Midhun Mukundan’s background score effectively sets the emotional tone, enhancing the film without overwhelming it.

What makes Sumanth’s film particularly engaging are the discussions among the adults that occur within Mithya’s hearing range, often without consideration for the impact their words may have on him. While the child is the central character, the film primarily targets an adult audience, offering valuable lessons about appropriate communication and behavior in sensitive situations.

Mithya movie verdict: Sumanth Bhat’s film is not flamboyant or star-driven, but what it has is a great story – a soul in sync with the heart. It’s the kind of film that ought not be dismissed as a festival movie.

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