Calorie is a poignant film that explores intergenerational trauma through the lens of a Punjabi-Canadian woman’s experience following the Air India flight 182 tragedy.
Set against the backdrop of the U.S. and Punjab, India, *Calorie* tells the story of Monika, a Punjabi-Canadian woman who must send her Westernized daughters to Amritsar alone after a work commitment forces her to cancel her trip. Directed by Eisha Marjara, the film delves into the complexities of intergenerational trauma, particularly in relation to the bombing of Air India flight 182, one of the most devastating aviation disasters in Canadian history. Marjara’s personal connection to this tragedy is profound; her mother and sister were victims of the bombing, and she was also supposed to be on the flight but could not join them due to treatment for anorexia.
Marjara draws heavily from her own life experiences to shape the narrative. Monika, portrayed by Ellora Pattnaik, is a single mother raising two daughters, Simi and Alia, played by Ashley Ganger and Shanaya Dhillon-Birmhan, respectively. Simi is a rebellious teenager eager to escape her mother’s home to pursue a music career with her boyfriend, while Alia is more reserved, grappling with an eating disorder that leads her to meticulously count her calorie intake. Despite their initial hesitations, the sisters find themselves exploring Amritsar, where Alia develops a close relationship with Monika’s uncle, Mohan, played by Anupam Kher. The film also features award-winning actor and costume designer Dolly Ahluwalia as Mohan’s wife.
At its core, *Calorie* is a narrative about the intricate dynamics between mothers and daughters. Monika is haunted by unresolved trauma stemming from the loss of her mother, while Simi and Alia perceive their mother as a barrier to their aspirations. The film’s climax centers on Monika’s journey toward understanding her mother’s choices and reconciling her own parenting style and affection for her daughters.
*Calorie* compels audiences to reflect on the lasting impact of historical tragedies and their influence on subsequent generations. While the film refrains from overt political commentary, it poignantly portrays the trauma experienced by Sikhs affected by Operation Blue Star and those who lost loved ones in the Air India 182 bombing, known as the Kanishka tragedy. It navigates the emotional landscapes of families grappling with the repercussions of political and historical events—Mohan, who is processing the loss of his sister due to Operation Blue Star, and Monika, who is reconciling her identity as a Canadian Sikh woman caught in the aftermath of a political movement she did not choose to be part of.
However, *Calorie* does have its shortcomings, particularly in the exploration of certain storylines. For instance, Simi’s connection with a gay Sikh man in Amritsar is introduced but quickly fades, leaving viewers wanting more depth. Similarly, Alia’s struggle with her eating disorder, which inspired the film’s title, feels somewhat superficial, raising questions about whether a different title might have been more fitting.
Despite these narrative gaps, Pattnaik delivers a compelling performance as Monika, and Kher’s portrayal of Mohan is marked by remarkable restraint and authenticity.
*Calorie* recently premiered at Silicon Valley’s Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival, where it resonated with audiences, prompting discussions about the enduring effects of trauma across generations.
According to India Currents, the film’s exploration of personal and collective grief serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of identity and the legacies of historical events.