Rima Das dedicated this film to her father Bharat Chandra Das, who died during the COVID-19 pandemic.[2]
Plot summary
The drama shows a family man’s life unravelling in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.[3]
Cast
Abhijit Das as Jaan
Tarali Kalita Das as Tora
Bhuman Bhargav Das as Bhargav
Purbanchali Das as Manu
Nilima Das
Simanta Malakar
Mallika Das
Production
The film was shot in Das' home town of Chaygaon in Assam. Rima Das said of the film:
The story of my protagonist reflects my personal journey living and working amidst the pandemic. In the midst of loss, lockdowns and life, we shot the film over two years. Shooting this film was more challenging than shooting my previous films because the pandemic restricts you in many ways. There was this constant feeling of fear and restlessness, which my characters also depict."[4]
Critical reception
The first Indian film to compete in the Platform section, and Rima Das' third film in a row to premiere at Toronto International Film Festival.[5]
"...a perceptive drama that captures how tensions can erode lives and relationships during difficult times when everyone is struggling to survive. With careful attention paid to the unique pressure faced by small-business owners, Das’ purview extends beyond the middle class, capturing the crisis with impressive scope and documentary-like attentiveness, pointing to the societal fragilities that preceded — and will follow — the effects of the pandemic itself. With remarkable authenticity, Das illuminates both the dignity and vulnerability of ordinary people in one of the defining films of our historical moment."[6]
