Published in: India/South Asian Independent Film Reviews

India Independent Short Film Review “Shaant”

Author OneFilmFan

Published on: July 24, 2020

WATCH THE FILM HERE

First, the Recap:

The vacancy of dejection. When discovering there is what seems to be an unfillable void within ourselves, the paths it can lead us down inwardly only appear as endless, merciless, hopeless chasms of sadness. In such a barren state, it becomes even harder to find any semblance of balance or joyful expectation, which only further drives a need for release–no matter what way getting it entails. But, in spite of the darkness closing in, can there not be an inkling of assured promise for better days? The thoughts which ingrain themselves within the mind of a man (Sufi Khan) provide little to no comfort as he attempts to assess the state of being he is in. For every success he’s encountered, there’s is also a blatant defeat. He begins to realize that there might be a way out, an overt stoppage of his pain. But, is this the only answer, or is there a more profound truth he desperately needs to grasp before it’s too late?

Next, my Mind:

Depression is no laughing matter and a far more consistently present reality for so many individuals in the world, which is very unfortunate to have to state. In the realms of filmmaking, it is an oft addressed thematic exploration that this critic never tires of seeing come about, not because there is any “joy” per se in such a subject as much as a deeply needed acknowledgement and greater awareness that remains for us to understand this ailment and find every possible way to combat it in a way that will best benefit those who struggle in its unrelenting hold. So with this 8-minute short film from director Arpita Sengupta and writer Sufi Khan, the notion of depression is looked at as it should be–candidly raw for greatest impact but with an ultimate sense of hope in the midst of its intensely portrayed dramatic execution.

As seen through the eyes of one man trying to cope with the highly isolating aura that depression can bring, the film does an excellent job at showcasing just how diverse the rollercoaster of emotional volatility someone goes through can be, complete with times of direct suffering then tempered with that glimmer of joyous optimism when an occurrence arrives that shakes him out of his funk and into a more hopeful, happy demeanor. But, as indicated above, the film doesn’t shy away from then illustrating just how fleeting even the best of times can be, and if we’re not totally prepared, it can send us back down a path of despair that may truly be deemed in our fractured thinking as irrevocably permanent.

It is in this mentality where the real danger of depression lies, as then it becomes the place where there is no light at the end of the tunnel and therefore there is only one way to find the solace we believe we need–and this is a choice that, so very sadly, far too many people make, to not only their own destruction, but to the devastation left in the wake of such an act upon those who loved and cherished them. However, here, I will simply say that the film makes what I feel is a wonderfully apropos and affecting, poignant decision to deliver a finale that puts everything the protagonist is enduring into a perspective that then delivers the best possible message films addressing depression can provide–THERE…IS…LIFE to be had, and depression CAN be shut down for the sake of an assured, encouraging, and heartening future.

But for this to happen, as is depicted so well here, it again comes down to key decisions at the point of being at one’s lowest depths within, and for anyone who knows someone that’s fought through depression, this is NOT an easy road to travel. This is even more reason why I genuinely trust that films like this end up most importantly being evocative, challenging, and honestly inspirational in the grand scheme of things to every viewer so that we won’t lose sight of just how imperative it is to be reminded of this ominous mental monster, it’s actuality, and the needs we have to fight against it. The film uses beautifully designed, yet uncomplicated visuals to evoke the moods the film engenders along with its atmospheric music and background singing, courtesy of Gaurav Telang, Pratham Khadke, and Shaheen Khan, to further up the emotional quotient the film desires to create for the viewer.

Sufi Khan, in his official debut as an actor, does a fine job in his performance as the lead character in this tale, a man whose life has been an apparent mix of ups and downs that have brought him both happiness and equal amounts of frustrations and disappointments. Having a particular time where we see him now experiencing one of those phases where both aspects are occurring, it paints a vivid portrait of depression’s ugly nature boiling underneath the surface even when he is knowing moments of elation that it is more than obvious he desires to last. But, when it doesn’t, it brings about the most harrowing sequence in the story, and watching how it is resolved is, this critic felt, masterfully done and well-played by Khan, who sells us completely with perfect understated yet passionate intensity on his character and the plight being conveyed.

Additional supporting appearances are made from director Arpita Sengupta and also Master JaiJeet (Pupu) as reflections of the man’s childhood and remembrance of times he treasured and misses in this hour of need. So, in total, “Shaant” is both an aptly provocative and most certainly needed short film effort that should serve as that aforementioned promoting to the masses to consider the ongoing dilemma that is depression, even more if we directly know someone trying to face it, and perhaps make a newfound, purposefully concerted effort to find ways to be a person who puts in the work to be there for someone in need. Because we all know what happens when the symptoms are ignored and/or the loneliness, anger, resentment at life, and misery take over. No more losses, folks. Let’s see lives redeemed and set free, not taken away, as the recent, sorrowfully tragic passing from the South Asian film community and this world of Sushant Singh Rajput so mournfully echoes within us all.

As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!