Eleventh Media
The Indian tradition of “Antim Ardas” involves a final solemn prayer that falls to the oldest sibling to give when a family member dies. Following cremation, the last prayer is bestowed on the eleventh day and allows the soul to live in peace. In Eleven Days a twelve-year-old boy Ajit Singh (Jit Singh) in a Sikh family in western Australia must reach his older brother Rajveer Singh (Garry Deol) in time for giving the last prayer for their deceased father Sarjit Singh (Harcharanjit Singh). The story is inspired by true events. Filmed in 2017 in western Australia, the landscapes in the outback are scenic and varied and the Indian music is very fitting for conveying emotional tones.
The Singh family has moved to western Australia after a terrorist attack killed the boys’ mother. In Australia, the family faces discrimination-- with some Australians thinking that the family is Islamist; they fail to understand the family is Sikh. Filled with anger, the older brother Rajveer decides to join the Australian Army to fight the terrorists. Although his father protests Rajveer’s decision, he understands the son has made up his mind. Rajveer’s younger brother Ajit is saddened when Rajveer leaves for Perth to start training; he convinces his father to travel to Perth to convince Rajveer not to go off fighting. The father and son leave in their car and attempt a short cut to Perth; when Sarjit suddenly sees an animal in front of him, he crashes the car on a lonely road and is killed. An aboriginal group find the two people and instruct a boy close in age to Ajit to assist Ajit in crossing the outback to Perth. Ajit learns how to make a fire, kill lizards for food, and dig up the ground for water. When the boys come near the city, Ajit goes on alone. In Perth he is helped by two young women in the city who ask Jack (Adam Perkins), a pilot friend they know, to fly Ajit to Camp Pierce where Rajveer has gone for training. The plane gets only part way when it crashes. Ajit sets off alone to complete his journey and uses the survival skills he has learned from the people he has met so far. With sincere acting, a clear story, and themes covering prejudice, family devoutness, and faith, Eleven Days is a worthwhile coming of age film. Recommended.