INDIA New England News
‘
Milestone‘ (also known as ‘Meel Patthar’); Cast: Suvinder Vicky, Lakshvir Saran; Direction: Ivan Ayr; Rating: * * * and 1/2 (three and a half stars)
BY VINAYAK CHAKRAVORTY
Ivan Ayr’s second feature film opens to nothingness. A black screen stares at you for nearly 30 seconds, almost preparing you for the immersive experience ahead. It is as if Ayr lets you absorb a bit of the bleakness that would seem to define his protagonist Ghalib’s life over the next 98-odd minutes.
Ghalib is a truck driver, portrayed with understated angst by Punjabi actor Suvinder Vicky (he was Joginder in “Chauthi Koot”, for ready reference, among other impressive roles). As the narrative opens, Ghalib is asked to load goods in his vehicle by the depot supervisor. He tries telling he has a bad back, but doesn’t argue on being ignored.