The short film is an engagement with ideologies and the manner in which loyalty to them sometimes demands the complete erasure of the individual. Now it should be noted right at the start that the viewer should not go to Kalalpada expecting mainstream North Indian cinema. For the unprepared viewer, the music might be jarring, for instance. However, barring these little details, the film simply serves as a reminder that stories and emotions are indeed universal.
By focusing on a hyper-localised issue, one of a clash between groups of conflicting political beliefs, the film further draws attention to the powerlessness of an individual who is rendered no more than a cog in the massive state apparatus. As ideologies and friendship become diametrically opposite to each other, the narrative concludes with a disconcerting message - one of the futile loss of life in the name of politics, religion and power structures that have no room for emotions or interpersonal bonds.
Read LessBy focusing on a hyper-localised issue, one of a clash between groups of conflicting political beliefs, the film further draws attention to the powerlessness of an individual who is rendered no more than a cog in the massive state apparatus. As ideologies and friendship become diametrically opposite to each other, the narrative concludes with a disconcerting message - one of the futile loss of life in the name of politics, religion and power structures that have no room for emotions or interpersonal bonds.
