In Search of the Sky (Vimukt): A Raw, Heartfelt Journey Through Life and Struggle

At TIFF 2025, I had the privilege of experiencing In Search of the Sky (Vimukt), an Indian Hindi film directed by theater director Jitank Singh Gurjar. This is another unforgettable cinematic experience from the festival, a film that won the audience over to the point where the lead actor received a well-deserved standing ovation.

The film tells the story of an elderly couple and their mentally challenged adult son, Naran, living in extreme poverty. Each day is a struggle, and the couple is forced to make an uncomfortable decision: to take their son on a pilgrimage to the Maha Kumbh Mela in search of hope and relief. The narrative explores not just poverty but also the emotional and social challenges faced by mentally challenged individuals and their families, portraying their struggles with a raw honesty that is rarely seen in mainstream cinema.

One of the film’s most remarkable achievements is how it was made on a shoestring budget. Gurjar and his team relied heavily on guerrilla filmmaking techniques, shooting in the crowded chaos of the Kumbh Mela. The camera work is brilliant, with changing orientations, aspect ratio shifts and inventive angles that immerse the audience in the experience. Some of the most striking shots are during the Kumbh scenes, capturing the sheer scale and vibrancy of the festival, and during sequences where Nikhil is intoxicated, reflecting his disoriented perspective in a visually compelling way.

The performances are outstanding. Nikhil Yadav brings depth and authenticity to Naran, while Raghvendra Bhadoriya and Meghna Agarwal portray the parents with a heartbreaking realism, perfectly capturing the exhaustion, love, and desperation of people living on the margins. The poverty, the emotional tension, and the societal pressures are portrayed with extraordinary sensitivity and authenticity.

Yet, the film is not without its challenges. The open ending leaves much to interpretation, with some viewers potentially reading the pilgrimage as a miraculous trip, while others may see it as a sobering reflection on life’s harsh realities. Additionally, the complete absence of music might feel stark or unsettling for some, though it contributes to the realism and intimacy of the story.

Overall, In Search of the Sky is a striking, deeply human film that demonstrates how powerful storytelling can be, even with limited resources. Its brilliant acting, immersive camera work, and sensitive exploration of real-life struggles make it a must-watch for anyone seeking cinema that resonates long after the credits roll.