Mithya: A Haunting Tale of Loss and Resilience

Exploring the Depths of Grief in Mithya

Have you ever come across stories of children who suddenly find themselves orphaned and sent to live with relatives? What unfolds in their lives? This is the poignant narrative that Mithya unfolds.

Directed by Sumanth Bhat, this unique and emotionally charged debut feature from 2023 is now streaming on Prime Video. The story revolves around eleven-year-old Mithun, whose father has passed away and whose mother has taken her own life. Mithun, affectionately called Mithya, was the one who discovered his mother’s lifeless body.

After the tragedy, Mithya and his younger sister Vandhana are taken to Udupi by their maternal aunt Jyothi, where they are expected to live with her family. Jyothi (Roopa Varkady) and her husband Surya (Prakash Thuminad) strive to care for Mithya, but the situation is challenging as they have a daughter of their own, and Mithya struggles with the Kannada language, having been raised in Mumbai.

In fact, the young boy speaks very little. Traumatized by his experiences, Mithya has constructed a barrier of silence around himself. Although he makes a new friend and enjoys riding his bike, he remains tight-lipped about the events that led to his parents' demise, even when his father's relatives arrive to take him away.

This Kannada film resonates with the themes explored in this year's popular series Adolescence, particularly regarding the impact of domestic turmoil on a young boy's psyche. At times, the production, backed by Rakshit Shetty, evokes the gritty realism found in British dramas that have influenced Adolescence.

Mithya, which translates to 'lie', is not your typical coming-of-age film. Sumanth Bhat’s screenplay thoughtfully delves into Mithya’s response to grief and the enduring trauma he faces. The violence he has endured in his previous home continues to haunt him in his new environment, placing an immense burden on the young boy.

A relative of his father tells him he is old enough to comprehend the situation. But is he truly?

Instead of overtly stating its themes, the 98-minute film Mithya employs observational cinematography and subtle storytelling to convey its protagonist’s journey. The absence of melodramatic elements leads to authentic performances and relatable characters.

A recurring visual theme features Mithya with his back to the camera, contemplating which path to take when confronted with difficult choices. The film's concluding scene poignantly encapsulates the narrative, with Mithya facing the audience, inviting us to witness his story without passing judgment.

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