Exploring Trauma and Silence in the Film Mithya

A Haunting Tale of Loss and Resilience

Have you ever wondered about the fate of children who suddenly find themselves orphaned and placed with relatives? This poignant theme is at the heart of Mithya.

Sumanth Bhat’s remarkable and emotionally charged feature film, released in 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, is 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. Jyothi (played by Roopa Varkady) and her husband Surya (Prakash Thuminad) strive to provide a nurturing environment for Mithya, but the challenges are significant, especially since they have a daughter of their own and Mithya struggles with the Kannada language, having been raised in Mumbai.

In fact, Mithya is largely silent. Traumatized by his experiences, he has constructed a barrier of silence around himself. Although he forms a friendship and enjoys riding his bike, he remains tight-lipped about the events that led to his parents' demise, even when relatives from his father's side come to claim him.

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, it evokes the gritty realism found in British dramas that have influenced Adolescence.

Mithya, which translates to 'lie', diverges from typical coming-of-age narratives. The screenplay by Sumanth Bhat thoughtfully delves into Mithya’s response to grief and persistent trauma. The violence he has endured in his previous home continues to haunt him in his new surroundings, placing an immense emotional burden on the young boy.

A relative of his father suggests that 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 techniques to convey the protagonist’s journey. The absence of melodramatic elements allows for 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 decisions. The film's conclusion poignantly encapsulates the narrative, with Mithya facing the audience, inviting us to witness his story without passing judgment.

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