Film review

 FILM REVIEW

The Sky Is Pink

The Sky Is Pink is a 2019 Hindi-language biographical drama directed by Shonali Bose. The

film stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Farhan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim, and Rohit Suresh Saraf in lead

roles. It tells the real-life story of Aisha Chaudhary, a young girl who battled a severe illness

while bringing love and joy to her family. Unlike typical movies about sickness, The Sky Is

Pink focuses not just on the disease but on the relationships, sacrifices, and emotions of a family

trying to stay strong together.

Plot Summary

The story follows Aditi (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) and Niren Chaudhary (Farhan Akhtar), a

couple deeply in love, whose lives take a difficult turn when their daughter, Aisha (Zaira

Wasim), is diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

(SCID). The movie is narrated from Aisha’s perspective, even after her death, making it both

heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Aditi and Niren, despite coming from different financial backgrounds, fall in love and get

married. Their first child, Tanya, dies due to the same illness, leaving them shattered. When

Aisha is born, they discover that she also has SCID. Determined to save her, they leave

everything behind and move to London for her treatment. The couple does everything

possible—begging, borrowing, and sacrificing their dreams—to ensure their daughter gets the

best medical care.

Aisha, despite her health struggles, grows up to be a vibrant and positive person. She becomes

a motivational speaker, inspiring many with her courage and wisdom. She knows she doesn’t

have much time left, but instead of feeling sad, she wants to celebrate life. Her love for her

family and her ability to find humor even in difficult moments make her unforgettable.

The film explores how Aditi and Niren cope with their grief, frustration, and helplessness while

raising their son Ishaan (Rohit Saraf). Aditi, a fierce and protective mother, does everything to

keep Aisha alive, while Niren, a more emotional and practical father, supports his family in

every possible way. Despite their struggles, their love for each other never fades.

Performances

The performances in The Sky Is Pink are outstanding. Priyanka Chopra Jonas delivers one of

her finest performances as Aditi, portraying the pain, determination, and strength of a mother

who refuses to give up. She brings out Aditi’s emotional turmoil in a way that feels real and

relatable.

Farhan Akhtar, as Niren, plays a loving and supportive father who tries to stay strong for his

family. His quiet, restrained acting beautifully contrasts with Priyanka’s intense performance,

making their chemistry feel genuine and heartfelt.

Zaira Wasim, who plays Aisha, is the soul of the film. She perfectly captures Aisha’s spirit, wit,

and optimism. Even though her character faces a life-threatening illness, she remains full of

life and humor, making the audience fall in love with her.

Rohit Saraf, as Aisha’s brother Ishaan, does a commendable job. His portrayal of a brother who

adores his sister but also struggles with his emotions adds depth to the story. His performance

is subtle yet impactful.

Direction and Writing

Shonali Bose, who also directed Margarita with a Straw, brings her signature storytelling style

to this film. She treats the subject of death with sensitivity, making sure the story never becomes

overly melodramatic or depressing. Instead, she focuses on love, hope, and family bonds. The

screenplay, co-written by Bose and Nilesh Maniyar, is well-structured and moves back and

forth in time, giving the audience glimpses of different phases of Aisha’s life.

Despite dealing with a heavy subject, the film has many light-hearted moments. The dialogues

are natural and often humorous, which makes the film emotionally balanced. The humor

doesn’t take away from the seriousness of the situation but rather makes the characters more

real and relatable.

Cinematography and Music

The cinematography by Kartik Vijay beautifully captures the emotions of the characters. The

warm, soft lighting in family scenes creates a feeling of closeness, while the shots of London

and Delhi add realism to the story. The colors in the film shift according to the mood—bright

and warm during happy moments and dull and dark during difficult times.

The music by Pritam is soulful and complements the film’s emotional tone. Songs like “Dil Hi

Toh Hai” and “Zindagi” add to the depth of the story without feeling forced. The background

score is subtle yet effective, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes.

Themes and Message

The Sky Is Pink is not just a story about illness and death—it’s a story about love, family, and

resilience. It shows how parents can go to any extent to protect their child, even if it means

sacrificing their own happiness. It also highlights the importance of living in the moment and

cherishing the time we have with our loved ones.

One of the strongest messages of the film is that even when faced with loss, life doesn’t have

to be full of sadness. Aisha teaches her family to celebrate life rather than mourn death. The

film reminds us that love and memories live on even after a person is gone.

What Works and What Doesn’t

What Works:

Powerful performances, especially by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Farhan Akhtar, and Zaira

Wasim.

Emotionally rich storytelling that balances sadness and humor.

Beautiful cinematography and a well-matched soundtrack.

A fresh take on a tragic story—focusing on life rather than death.

What Doesn’t Work:

The non-linear storytelling might be confusing for some viewers.

The film’s slow pace, especially in the second half, may not appeal to everyone.

Some emotional scenes feel slightly stretched, making the film longer than necessary.

Final Verdict

The Sky Is Pink is an emotional yet uplifting film that leaves a lasting impact. It’s a story of

love, sacrifice, and resilience, beautifully told through strong performances and heartfelt

writing. While it may make you cry, it will also leave you with a sense of warmth and

appreciation for life.

If you enjoy films that touch the heart and tell real-life stories with depth and emotion, The Sky

Is Pink is definitely worth watching. It’s not just a movie about illness—it’s a celebration of

life, love, and the bonds that keep us strong even in the darkest times.