Photo review: Arguably one of the best pandemic-based narratives in Indian cinema

Photo as a film is not new to the festival-watching film aficionados in India.

The poignant tale is set against the backdrop of the migrant evacuation problem during the pandemic when the lockdowns were announced.

Though, at its core, it is a sweet tale of the bond between a father and son, the movie makes the viewers reflect on the ground reality versus privilege.

At a time when one part of the world sat around contemplating whether or not to make dalgona coffee at home, migrants like the family shown in the film faced a different kind of life during the lockdown.

Synopsis

The premise is simple. Durgya, a youngster from a village in Raichur, has a simple dream. He aspires to get a photograph of him against the backdrop of Vidhana Soudha, much like some of the cooler people in his village.

His father lives in Bengaluru working as a daily wage construction worker.

His mother sends Durgya to his father in Bengaluru to fulfil his dream. But the sudden lockdown sees Durgya being ferried back home.

This is when the film shifts gear to showcasing the plight that many migrants saw when they partook in long journeys back home walking multiple hundreds of kilometres.

We have seen many narratives that spoke about varied stories dealing with people during the pandemic in cities and towns. But Photo is one of those few films that hold a mirror to one of the darkest truths of the pandemic in India.

It is moving and poignant, and makes you uncomfortable and emotional.

But such tales are required to ensure more people understand what else happened in the country.

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A grim reminder

Often, keyboard activists take to causes that die the moment a hashtag loses relevance. But a film like Photo, which can be called arguably one of the pandemic-based narratives in Indian cinema, will remain for posterity as an uncomfortable and grim reminder of a part of history that people should address, acknowledge and most importantly seek to rectify for it to never repeat again.

Debutant filmmaker Utsav Gonwar has to be acknowledged not only for his soulful storytelling but also for his craft. The visual treatment and the story end up moving even the most rigid minds to melt.

When people choose to share stories of heartland India, they often look at quirky tales with comedy being a big essence.

While those are important, movies like Photo serve a bigger purpose as they will ensure more conversations are had about issues that need more relevance under the sun.

The film has some endearing performances by all its cast members. The one leading the pack is young Veeresh Gonwar who seems to have lived his character and shines bright.

Mahadev Hadapad and Sandhya Arakere as the parents are equally brilliant.

Verdict

Photo is a film that is far removed from the usual commercial masala fare. But it has something that can stir emotions in everyone.

There are some films that need to be watched only to ensure a better tomorrow and this is one such.

(Views expressed here are personal.)