Film: Second Chance
Cast: Dheera Johnson, Rajesh Kumar, Thakra Devi, Kanav Thakur, Ganga Ram, Shaurya Bastola, Tarini Sud, Dr Bishan Dass Shashni, Yuki the cat.
Director: Subhadra Mahajan
Rating: 3.5/5
Runtime: 104 min

Writer-director Subhadra Mahajan`s gorgeous looking debut is set high up in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, in the dead of winter when deep snowdrifts and jagged ridges form an impenetrable icy barrier. Despite it being the dead of winter, the chilly climes become the basis for warmer vibes.

Twenty-five-year-old Nia (Dheera Johnson) from Delhi, feeling lonely and depressed after being pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend, takes refuge in her family’s summer home in the Pir Panjal mountain range, with only the caretaker Raju (Rajesh Kumar) and his family for company. Nia is obviously wanting to keep the abortion hidden from her parents. When Raju gets busy Nia is left in the care of his 70-year-old mother-in-law, Bhemi (non-professional debutante Thakra Devi), and his boisterous 8-year-old son Sunny (Kanav Thakur).

Initially the relationship between Nia and Bhemi is governed by class. Bhemi is serville while Nia is reserved and confined to herself. Gradually as the climate around them begins to thaw, Nia, Bhemi and Sunny get closer. Grandmother and grandson, used to the hardships of life and happy despite it, help Nia cope with her grief and loss. The icily beautiful region, pristine serenity of the surroundings and its hardship enduring endearing people and a cat have a healing effect on Nia.