WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Time. Its passage is a tangible element we as people keep track of with almost fanatical effort, seeing it as either our greatest ally or most heinous foe. It flies by, with us unable to determine how exactly to slow it down, day by day, month by month, year by year, unrelenting and unstoppable. Yet, might there be a way to at least realize that perhaps it isn’t time in itself that’s going to fast–but rather ourselves? The soft ticking of a wall clock fills the residence of an older man (Ashok Lokhande) as he sits on his couch enjoying a drink while being visibly transfixed on the clock’s hands moving ever so closer to 12 o’clock.
A knock at the man’s door and its subsequent opening reveal a local food delivery man, Pramod (Rajagopalan Ganesan), bearing his customer’s ordered meal, lauding the fact he’s arrived in less than the allotted timeframe. However, after being paid by the man, Pramod becomes engaged in a conversation with him that calls into question every facet about time and its significance, both from personal and grander perspectives. Pramod soon ascertains the true dilemma his customer is facing and begins to try and find the means by which to assuage the older man’s doubts, fears, and generally unsettled state of being. In doing so, it brings about a poignant moment that both men can appreciate and learn from, with time no longer being insurmountable.
Next, my Mind:
Spanning a range of thematic exploration that delves into both the empirical and the philosophical/conceptual while placing at its core a beautifully executed stirring, emotive core, this indie short film effort from writer/director Vaibhav Munjal and executive producer Sorabh Mujal delivers a narrative that is equally evocative and heartwarming all in just a touch over nine minutes, a testament to intelligent writing, well-presented filmmaking, and the ever-needed acknowledgement of the quality found within non-mainstream cinema. Here, with an acute accessibility and totally grounded tone, the film quickly and efficiently transports the viewer into the intimate confines of one older man’s inner battle with the notion of time and how it’s ticking by in a way which so deeply impacts him and causes him an almost debilitating turmoil he cannot seem to find a way through. Yet, leave it to the wonder of human contact and compassion to intervene, this time via a regular guy, a food delivery driver, who takes notice of his customer’s demeanor and chooses to act.
The story’s addressing of how we are obsessed with time and constantly in a rile about how we wish we could stop it or at least hinder its progress gets upended with the delivery man’s intercession and listening ear that then introduces his own impromptu solution to the situation that creates a highly moving finale that serves as the ultimate reminder to us that we need to have a break from the chaos, even internally, and worries we actually bring upon ourselves and instead truly embrace the moment, every moment, to the fullest and find what magic lies right there. It’s a lesson we all need to adhere to, and in a world where technology continues to “guide” us into realms that move faster and faster, it seems even more relevant that this film’s message get out there and have an impact on hearts and minds. Visually, the film is wonderfully shot and nurtures the characters well throughout the film. Honestly, I often stand amazed and thankful at the level of expertise that shows up in these smaller films, as it’s even more encouraging to see those who might usually involve themselves with larger endeavors taking the time to indulge in assisting or being a direct part of independent filmmaking, elevating the final product we see.
Speaking of that very concept, we find it here through the casting of actor Ashok Lokhande, who’s made a name in both T.V. and film (including appearances in the excellent Anurag Kashyap efforts “Black Friday” and “Raman Raghav 2.0“), as the old man, a soul restless and agitated with the idea that time won’t end up allowing him to experience an event he’s been awaiting, thinking therefore his forlorn mentality will forever be in place. Apparently seeking some sense of “solace” through drinking, his entire reality gets shaken upon the arrival of previously ordered food and the delivery man, Pramod, who brings it, soon spilling out his story and concerns to this total stranger who took the time to show his own caring nature. Yet, it becomes such an eye-opening session and hugely impactful series of moments that follow, the old man finds himself in a much improved state and realizing the beauty of moments to be relished rather than feared or allowed to just come and vanish while he remains overtly distracted. In the entire effort, Lokhande’s approach is understated and subtle, yet filled with an innate conviction that surfaces more and more as the performance moves forward, culminating in a totally believable and affecting closing moment that Lokhande provides a perfectly enacted, emotive, nuanced air to.
This is not to at all discount or lessen the presence of the story’s other mainstay, actor Rajagopalan Ganesan as Pramod, a simple, joyful human being who comes to the home of a customer with a smile and pleasant attitude to deliver the items ordered. Yet, this somewhat mundane occurrence births an unanticipated interaction with his customer, an older man, whom Pramod notices is uneasy and flustered. Taking a moment to check on whether the man is ok, Pramod is invited to sit for a spell and is then regaled by an unfolding tale of time from, as mentioned in my earlier thought above, a more existential direction which he is then able to interject a more pragmatic resolution that very much brings calm, happiness, and easement of anxiety to the old man, who is more than genuinely thankful to Pramod for. It’s the strength and merit of sympathy and sensitivity, plus a willingness to take one of those aforementioned moments in time and allowing it to benefit a fellow person, something that is not so common in this day and age, unfortunately. In his performance as a whole, Ganesan is charmingly believable and a joy to watch as he navigates the subtleties of the circumstance the character of Pramod encounters.
So, in total, “Leap Lipi” is a fantastic little short film that becomes yet another example of just how human, down-to-earth, and relevant indie film is, and needs to be, so that filmmakers can utilize it to the farthest extent to showcase pertinent societal messages while also entertaining the audience, both to maximum effect. Hopefully this film can be a persuasive vehicle to nudge us to recognize the moments we have and ensure to take fullest joy from each and every one.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
