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15th Park Ave Movie Review Ratings Select RatingOutstandingAbove AverageWatchableBelow AverageAwful   Number of ratings: 13 Rating: 4.31

Aparna Sen's latest offering is not only written by the acclaimed filmmaker but is also directed by her. Although the movie has Hindi actors this is a movie in English that deals with the sensitive subject of schizophrenia.The story is based around two sisters Anjali and Mitali, also known as Anu and Meethi at home.Mother Rewa had two children from her first marriage daughter Anjali (Shabana Azmi) and Son Mahesh, but her husband Col.Mathur died soon after Mahesh was born. In her struggle of bringing up two children on her own Rewa was helped by her late husband's friend Brigadier Sunil Mathur. With his genuine love and affection for Mewa's children she married Sunil from whom Mitali (Konkana Sen) was born thirteen years after Mahesh.

The two oldest children were successful in their fields, although Anjali the oldest daughter was divorced and came back home to live with her mother, she excelled in her career as a professor of Physics with notable books to her name. Mahesh to was successful within the corporate world and was happily married to Padma with his twins and his newborn.

Mitali the youngest was not as fortunate as her sister and brother and suffered from some birth defects. Mentally and physically challenged she suffered from both chronic schizophrenia and epilepsy. Yet although cared for by her family in her twenties she picked up and was even engaged to a man they all affectionately called Jojo (Rahul Bose).

Although initially against her engagement sister Anjali opposed the whole idea as she was concerned about Mitali's problems.However she eventually relents and the there is a huge engagement celebration.But the problems only just begin here. Mitali who began to work in the journalistic field decided to go on an assignment outside of Kolkata where corrupt politicians raped her repeatedly.

Triggering her suppressed schizophrenia which was lying dormant for years, Jojo breaks up the engagement and walks out on Mitali, which further depresses her to the point of suicide; she has to be sectioned into a home for the mentally ill for a while.In her imaginary world Mitali dreams she is married to Jojo, they have children and all live at number 15 Park Avenue. An imaginary life and address that doesn't even exist.

On a vacation to Bhutan with her mother and sister Anjali, they bump into Jojo who is now married with children. Jojo is deeply affected when he sees Mitali's condition and decides to help her find the 15 Park Avenue that doesn't even exist.A truly remarkable story which will deeply have you involved within the movie, yet the open ending is one which is perhaps deliberate in order for the viewer to make their own interpretations.

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One thing to point out is that the use of English throughout the movie is superficial at times as well as some of the dialogue which at times does not flow naturally and seems quite rehearsed.However don't let this distract you from the fact that this is true quality cinema which has been excellently casted.

Konkana Sen is truly believable in her role as the schizophrenic living in a delusional world; with Shabana Azmi in supporting role her character is worthy.Rahul Bose fits his role sufficiently and as the main male lead holds his position quite well, as does Waheeda Rehman who is simply a natural.This is art cinema at quite possibly it's best- expect nothing less from Aparna Sen. If you are looking for Bollywood glitz and glamour this is not for you. For something deep and meaningful and good quality acting '15 Park Avenue' will definitely hit the spot. Highly recommended.

Reviews by Hinna Kausar