WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
How far are you willing to go? It is a query presented often upon any circumstance involving the pursuit of something we desire, but to do so brings about more sacrifice or consequence than we could accept. Hence, it is a warning that taking the perilous path may not be in our best interest. Yet, are there not also those times where chancing a leap of blind faith and dogged determination can change the course of someone’s life? For one couple, Sam (Sachin Bhatt) and Oliver (Edward Sonnenblick), life has been vibrant for their relationship, but haunted by the specter of H.I.V.. Now on the cusp of consummating the decision to travel to India to adopt a young boy, Chintu (Arihant Angad Nayak), questions will arise that challenge every facet of their relationship–and society’s judgement vs. acceptance.
Next, my Mind:
Once more, the absolute marvel that is the mind of an independent filmmaker glows brightly with deeply dramatic flare, heartfelt sentiment, a necessary message, stirring emotional intensity, and one magnificently crafted finale that will leave you pleasantly stunned and filled with joy, all thanks to the new 25-minute short film effort delivered here from writer/director/producer Tushar Tyagi, writers Sanyam Kumar and Corey Wright, plus producers Ritika Jayaswal and Adil Hussain, the latter of whom also acts in the film as well. Having had opportunity to screen and review this effort multiple times now in the recent past, it remains a pleasure to be able to once more revisit my thoughts (which haven’t shifted!) about this incredibly well-executed film which finds itself continued success in its NYC Premier as part of the 2021 NYC South Asian Film Festival sponsored by Toyota USA and hosted by Festival Director/Jingo Media Founder Jitin Hingorani and Artistic Director Ambica Dev.
Offered as part of NYC SAFF’s LGBTQ Programming, this critic has never made it a secret that narratives which have some modicum of focus centered on these themes are not a personal favorite, but yet here comes this incredible effort that maintains its core foundational premise but then takes it so far beyond JUST that exploration. Assertively but with fully entertaining and relevantly evocative deftness, the story about two men’s relationship and the conflict that arises within their purpose to adopt not just a child but one with HIV, opens the door to such a myriad of hotbed topics being addressed in a wholly relatable way that transcends just the men’s connection.
Additionally, there is a likewise fantastically orchestrated side story involving a health camp physician, Dr. Sanjay (the always indomitable Hussain), and his wife Asha (Priyanka Setia) that brings another breath of beautifully fresh air to the events and the concept of adoption which ends up being a key component in the grander scheme of things as to how all these lives being touched by the thematic directions offered are brought together to form this portrait of human frailty, desperation, cultural and societal pressures, and the far reaching ripples of choices made that can so greatly influence others’ paths.
Now, while the sum of this story is certainly positive, I always do appreciate the fact that inner and outer turmoil is included, as it only adds the sense of believability and that aforementioned level of engaging effect for both the characters depicted and us as the viewing audience. Given the decision being made by Sam and Oliver in particular, all the nervousness and friction that actions taken bring about lends such a potent realism to the actualities of relationships between two people, no matter what orientation, as well as those swept up into it, lends this deeply human factor that magnifies everything we witness.
Not everything always goes perfectly or without potentially having to see compromises enter the circle of options being weighed to ultimately attain one’s goals, and this whole battle is astutely addressed here to just enough degree not to be at all melodramatic or add a negative atmosphere. The end result is this mix of humor and drama that I find South Asian cinema to be so consistent in delivering, wrapped up in a clearly shot, cohesive visual package thanks to the camera work of Vandita Jain and the emotive musical scoring by composer Mehul Pandit.
Bhatt (who’s coming off a well-earned Best Actor award at the 2021 Dallas/Ft. Worth South Asian Film Festival!) and Sonnenblick work appealingly and effectively as the primary couple Sam and Oliver, a gay couple whose lives and bond are about to leap forward for the better and personally formidable in their mutual decision to travel to India and adopt a young, H.I.V.-positive boy. However, there are other, hidden aspects of this that one of them has formulated that soon bring unwanted tension between the two, and how they work this out is a solid exercise in conflict resolution and needed understanding between couples, with Bhatt and Sonnenblick executing the necessary emotional volatility with excellence and authenticity.
Hussain continues to illustrate why he’s arguably one of the most consummate character actors in cinema in his role as Dr. Sanjay, a man of conviction and depth of heart for the causes he champions through his practice as well as with his heart for co-workers and his beloved wife Asha. The character’s part in this tale is filled with an intentional, precise, understated fervency that shines as a pure testament that you don’t have to be blatantly obvious to deliver a gorgeous performance, and Hussain carries this off with grace and a poignancy that is undeniable.
Excellent supporting turns arrive from Setia as Dr. Sanjay’s wife Asha, who nurtures their own brewing decision regarding adoption to wonderful effect and revelation, Dipannita Sharma as Mira, a long-standing friend of Sam’s who plays a major part in events as both accomplice and voice of reason, Sidharth Bhardwaj as the head adoption agent Mukesh, a weasely individual whom is both love-to-hate and endearingly comical here, Angad Dev Dogra as Mukesh’s hapless aide Chotu, Srestha Banerjee as one of Dr. Sanjay’s key clinic workers Ruby, and of course no leaving out Arihant Angad Nayak as the film’s namesake, Chintu, the young boy whose life path is about to be radically altered forever.
In total, “Saving Chintu” is a more than worthy entry into the short film arena, uninhibited and unrestrained in its messages in order to not just delight and engage with a heartwarming tale so extremely needed in this time of crisis we find our world in currently, but to initiate thought-provoking, contemplative notions about how we view the myriad of subjects addressed, perhaps to take action, perhaps to support someone we know in similar circumstance, or to simply be aware of the importance this human journey is that we’re all existing within, never to be taken for granted.
Miss viewing “Saving Chintu” at either physical festival? Worry not! Check out the film online when it screens beginning October 25th as part of Virtual SAFF 2021!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
