�Why Me?�: A conscience pricking celluloid narrative on domestic violence

Goutam Shankar Das

Jamshedpur, July 13: The full house at the SNTI Auditorium in Bistupur on the evening of Friday, July 12, watched with deep concentration as story writer-director Indrani Singh�s short film, �Why Me?� unfolded the evil truth and repercussion of domestic violence in a manner that had never been told before. Kudos is definitely due to Indrani on her maiden directorial venture that has left an impact of ponderous proportions.

The story is that of a young girl of four years who is traumatized because of the maniacal attitude of her father towards her mother. Otherwise a nice and easy going person, the protagonist (the child�s father) suddenly develops a killer instinct that leaves an imprint of fear in his wife who is pregnant at that time. This sort of Mr Hyde-type instinct continues even after the child is born. The prenatal trauma results in the child being mute (dumb would not be the correct expression in this case). The couple consults a specialist who tells both parents that such traumas in children are reflections of the effects of domestic violence carried over from the mother�s pregnancy days. It is then that the father promises to redeem himself and from that day, the home environ turns happy and the child begins to live the real life amidst love and affection and it is not long before she begins to speak. There are two sentences in the film that says, �Don�t be scared. Stand up and face death and chances are you will win and then, you�ll never be scared of any challenge again.�

Indrani�s brilliant, sensitive and in-depth story brings out a directorial debut that seems so seasoned. She has raised expectation levels and she has to give it her best go with all other celluloid initiatives she undertakes in future.

Jayanta Chatterjee and Anuradha Datta as the couple have lent authenticity to their respective portrayals with ease and grace of expressions and subtlety in dialogue delivery. Little Shilpa Vishwamitra is a revelation as she oozes natural talent. As she herself said, �Shooting for this film has given me so much confidence. I have learned to face the camera and perform naturally.� All this from a five year old student of ADLS Sunshine English School should serve as a path breaker for other children.

Makeup artiste Moushumi Chakraborty has used all her experience to make the actors look normal in all frames. There seems to be no hint of gaudiness anywhere except perhaps in one scene when the lead actress suddenly wakes up. Her excellent expressions get momentarily marred due to a wee bit of negligence. Did the actress go to sleep with her lipstick on?

The bold nature of Indrani Singh�s storyline is perfectly synchronized with the technical perspective. Technical director Tathagata Bhattacherjee with his Kolkata team of Take5 Communications, is a master in the craft, being a filmmaker of repute in all genres of the celluloid medium that of course is mostly on the digital format now. Every frame of every shot is effectively replete with expert light effects, colour blend and necessary accentuations. The perfect symmetrical technical designs including sound and music inlay have embellished �Why Me?� with rare distinctiveness.

Cinematographer Chinmoy Das has reiterated as to why he is one of the most sought after persons in Tollywood. Bapi Samanta and Debu Mandal are to be complimented for their excellent light compositions. Screenplay by the weather beaten and highly ranked master of his craft, Sailen Dey has brought alive Indrani�s telling and thought provoking concept to the highest level of an acute social poser.

Amidst the unquestionable brilliance of Indrani Singh�s short film venture, two factors somehow seem redundant. There was no need to utilize the shot of the doctor who explains the same causes of the child�s plight as already stated by the mother in the speech. However, filmmaker and actor Abhishek Ganguly must be highly lauded for his exquisite and assured performance of the doctor. The other point is that the leading lady�s speech, though excellently and expressively delivered, seemed too long. Perhaps a few cuts would make the film slicker and smarter.

The music inlay, so sensitively composed to highlight the moods and relevance of this highly incisive film, could not have been qualitatively possible unless young music director Debjit Bera whose compositions have earned critical acclaim in big time movies by renowned film directors, had wielded the musical baton.

This short film by Indrani Singh is a must watch for all without any age barriers. Those who saw it, know it.