WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
It’s always about others, but never about you. In a day and age when self-importance has sadly become the norm, there still remains a marked difference between ego run amok and a more subtle, completely innocent desire to find anyone that might provide us some validation, not just for what we’ve put forth in action, but have demonstrated through a sincere appreciation for it all as well. It is performance night, and for stage actress Kiara (Mahathi Ramesh), it is a time to ply her trade with utmost enthusiasm. When the play is unceremoniously interrupted by a modern day blight, the break backstage is suddenly rife with moments of feeling like she’s reached a crossroads, even as others around her do their level best to remain oh so humble–or not. The question she continues to get posed to her becomes a frustrating reminder of lost focus and underappreciated respect for the art they all pursue.
Next, my Mind:
The lights went down, the big screen lit up, and it soon marked the World Premier of the new, ultimately Best Short winning 12-minute film effort from writer/director Parinaz Jal, producers Shujaat Saudagar and Vikes Bhutani, plus executive producers Nishant Pandey and Arif Mir at the inaugural 2019 New York City South Asian Film Festival sponsored by Toyota USA, and it did so with a wonderfully engaging amalgamation of satirical humor and drama surrounding showbusiness in general, specifically highlighted in this effort through the context of an actress striving to see the significance of her skills acknowledged while also trying to remember why she entered the profession in the first place, hoping someone will share her gratitude and cherishing of acting again. The picture it depicts puts such a comically yet candid stamp on the entire concept of what it is to be a performer who still does treasure what they do for what it is, rather than just a paycheck or massive ego trip to find self-worth that’s ultimately fleeting and potentially even damaging in the long term.
It likewise speaks in grander scope, and as hinted at above, the very nature of our contemporary society where no one really seems to want to help anyone else out, but in the meantime expect others to offer immediate praise or forced affirmation about their talents or skills, whether in the arts or, frankly, even just as human beings. Yet, is it then not evident the actual flaws they, and we, all possess? Additionally, there is a depth to accolades and adoration that sometimes is only sought on its most basic, surface, (again!) self-serving level, only being accepted that way as well. Then there’s the much more constructive, raw, honest critique that emits from someone who’s simply willing to tell it like it is, not for the sake of intentionally hurting anyone, but instead offering that initially stinging truth that is needed to be heard in order that the reality check gained could help shake things up and amend thinking, which this critic felt was deftly handled in the film through Kiara’s character and those she interacts with.
With this thematic bend flowing through the film and being executed in the way it is, it makes the film’s very heartfelt finale so much more gratifying and realistic, even when throwing in one last little taste of joviality to top it off. Ramesh is a beautiful gem that glows and soars through the story in her role as Kiara, a stage actress enjoying her time in the spotlight as part of an actively running theatre play, with enough success to be happy, yet still finding places of insecurity as well. During an abrupt, though ultimately short-lived, break in the action due to unwarranted and totally undesired “audience participation” one night, the ensuing time back stage shines an all-too-revealing light on the real motives of so many of her fellow thespians, constants looking for the ego-stroking Kiara really wants no part of. But, as she continues to keep allowing them to get to her, a series of moments changes her perspective and the release to speak her mind comes forth in humorous yet necessary ways. Will it change her for the better, only time will tell, even as a certain inquiry keeps arising throughout the process she encounters. Ramesh plays it with deadpan humor with affecting dramatic flare as well, a winning performance.
There is a wealth of excellent primary supporting turns present here featuring those playing Kiara’s castmates, including Gopal Dutt Tiwari as the High Priest, Shruti Das as a fellow supporting actress Sanjana, Zaara Dastur as a another supporting actress who’s particularly adept at sucking up to people, Jaya Bhattacharya as the Queen, Denzil Smith as the King, Neha Mahajan as actress Sapna, and Rajat Mary Kaul as hilarious self-admiring actor Karan along with a multitude of others. Again, what makes these characters such a riot is their constant need to know a specific answer to that precise question, and whether they get the answer they desire or not, well, that remains to be seen! So, in total, “What Do You Think?” is a deliciously witty romp into the world, as previously mentioned, of conceit and loss of artistic nobility and purpose. But, there then becomes the equally potent moments where this is restored, giving weight to the film’s messages and we can only hope speaking to us all as people that rampant amour propre isn’t the answer when it comes to aiding other’s opinions much less addressing our own shortcomings. May we all learn to praise in ways that brings mutual benefit to everyone and the efforts we put our hearts and minds to. Well, that’s all I have to write about this film currently. So—um—you know—what did you think?
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
