A novelist Manmohan is grappling with a writing endeavor when he receives the most unexpected phone call one day. Stationed in the office of a friend while he is out of town, the protagonist only has his thoughts and words for company until this call changes everything. The voice of a woman on the other side captures his existence entirely, leading him down a path of love and adoration from where there is no return. 

The woman, seemingly sincere in her devotion to the novelist, calls him every day while busying herself with adornment, teasing, and an affectionate attitude toward the receiver of all her calls. As the conversation develops between the two, the writing exhibits seamlessness and ease, employing metaphors and poetic expressions to embellish itself. 

Set in the post-Partition era of the twentieth century, the film acquires a softness that defines it. With Urdu at its core and an overall influence of Hindustani sensibilities, it remains consistent in its developments. 

Despite a few snags within production, specifically in the sound department, there is an unmissable chemistry between the two actors. Irrespective of their fate as lovers, the romance and intimacy between them achieve completion within the narratorial progression. The end result keeps the viewer engaged throughout, simply by the verbal exchanges of its characters, deliberately devoid of any other external action, allowing the film to come together cohesively at its conclusion.

Yunhi Khamakhan | Short Film Nominee

‘Gum-e-Daura’ is a mellow invocation of Hindustani by way of the dialogue the characters exchange. However, its thematic concerns are far from the mood and tenor that the viewer might expect at first glance. They talk of a world where bills have to be paid, ailing family members need medicines and one’s passion and devotion to art does not always take care of financial troubles. 

Within these layers and complexities also lies a comment about the political realities of contemporary times where the protagonist lost his father to the violent crime of murder. All of this is portrayed for the viewer by way of a meeting between two lovers, a writer and his beloved, and thus presented to interact with.

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links