In the village of Kamleshwar, the Good Morning Squad has taken it upon themselves to ensure anyone who participates in open defecation is subjected to a fine. One morning, when Vitthalrao finds himself in the path of the Squad, he makes a run for it, to eventually be met with a very tragic end. This accident puts numerous elements into action, involving media, news anchors and their boisterous television shows, along with politicians. 

Soon, Vitthalrao's surviving family, his son Balya and his wife, are roped into an overnight makeover of their house by the sarpanch Rambhau in preparation for the daura or visit of an important state minister. The plot comes into its own adroitly employing satire and dramedy to share a story of personal motives, the sham of sympathy, the indifference to a family's misery and struggles, and the various aspects tied with a sense of frivolity that only serves to echo 'Daura''s intentions loud and clear. The film does a seamless job of playing on the absurdity and ridiculousness of it all, marked by engaging storytelling and tonality throughout. The final result succeeds in delivering its message in an emphatic manner, allowing the narrative to be a composite, balanced whole.

Daura | Short Film of the Month

The film opens with a mellow scene of a grandfather teaching a child about the values that shaped and built the life he leads now in a village of Maharashtra. The story then progresses to introduce the viewer to the child’s father, Namya. 

As each character is gradually introduced, a story develops with a conflict at its heart that is becoming increasingly common in our contemporary reality. Builders from Pune want to acquire more and more agricultural land, often by pressuring and arm-twisting the local farmers, and turn the fields into buildings of cement and concrete. 

By portraying two father-son equations, of Tatya and Ganga, and Namya and his Appa, the film explores the many anxieties and tensions that define this situation. The performances remain steadfast throughout, alongside skilled visuals that bring these ideas and relationships to life. The story further ropes in drama, punctuated with a little humor every now and then, to share all of this with audiences, finally concluding with an important social message.

Shubham Ghatge

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