The Wishing Tree: A Well-Intentioned Yet Flawed Children's Film

A Mixed Bag of Intentions and Execution

Sometimes, the merit of a film lies more in its intentions than its execution. This week, 'The Wishing Tree' debuted to a lukewarm reception, leaving much to be desired in its execution. The performances by the child actors come off as overly exaggerated and self-aware. Even seasoned actors like Saurabh Shukla, who portrays a clumsy character, and the rarely seen Mahabano Mody-Kotwal deliver performances that feel awkward and forced.

The film's inability to convey its eco-friendly message about tree conservation effectively reflects a broader issue in children's cinema in our country. We often fail to create films that resonate with younger audiences. Many so-called children's films either condescend to kids or attempt too hard to mimic their thought processes. 'The Wishing Tree' falls into the latter category, aiming for eco-awareness but ultimately faltering due to poor writing and exaggerated performances.

Despite its shortcomings, the film has good intentions and deserves an audience for that reason. Shabana Azmi shines in her role as a mystical eco-spirit, engaging in deep conversations with nature. Her nature-themed song, filmed in stunning locations, evokes memories of the classic 'Phir se aaiyo badra bidesi' from Gulzar's 'Namkeen.'

I'm attempting to appreciate this small film with a big heart that genuinely means well.

Cinematographer Rajeev Jain has a clear love for nature, but it is the human characters who disappoint. Writer-director Manika Sharma constructs a narrative filled with cringe-worthy clichés. The four main child characters represent the four primary religions practiced in 'secular' India, each facing and overcoming a personal challenge.

Harshpreet Kaur portrays Nikita, who struggles with her weight and faces ridicule. The character's plight is presented in an overt manner. The Muslim character, Fatima (Shivani Joshi), idolizes Shah Rukh Khan, much to her mother's delight, while her father (Rajit Kapoor) disapproves, citing traditional values.

By the time Bobby Darling appears as a grieving widow, I found myself wishing for a more enjoyable way to support tree conservation than enduring a film that incessantly chastises us for our neglect of nature. Sometimes, discussing environmental issues can be just as painful as the issues themselves.

Shabana Azmi shared her thoughts on the film's eight-year journey, expressing her fondness for her cameo and lamenting the scarcity of films aimed at children today. She reflected on her career, noting her previous collaboration with Amitabh Bachchan, who voiced the tree in this film, marking a reunion since their 1989 film, 'Main Azaad Hoon.'