It feels like an era has passed since I came across a film that was both fulfilling and entertaining. In this age and time, when edgy and tragic is becoming the order of the day, there comes light at the end of this tunnel of darkness. Nirmal Anand Ki Puppy is an experience that never fails to put a smile on your face. That is not to say that the other movies are lacking in any way. But the saturation of a singular sort of reaction from a movie is truly tiring, no matter how good the overall experience. Nirmal Anand Ki Puppy successfully pierces through that fatigue and allows for a subtle infusion of elation and joy.
The movie provides us with a detailed view of the life of a man named Nirmal Anand. And something that I love about it is the simplistic way in which a few days in the life of a very average man have been portrayed on-screen. This combined with the very simple use of the word ‘Puppy’ to suggest different meaning and subsequently, different themes, is also a great addition. The charm of the movie lies in its ability to involve concepts like metanarratives and implement them with such ease that they seem to become an integral part of the main narrative.
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Nirmal Anand Ki Puppy takes human beings at their most real and presents them on screen. The film has a pronounced grasp on human psychology. Each and every cornerstone of a person’s reaction to certain situations and the driving factors behind them have been explored. The best thing about them is that some of them have been kept open-ended. This allows for the active involvement of the audience, exponentially enriching the overall experience of the film and taking it to a whole new level. The amazingly crafted characters make it more of a concern for the viewers as we are motivated to understand, appreciate and care for them. Their humanity shines through.
The cinematography is nothing too flamboyant. It’s grounded and realistic. Some of the shots are exceptional. The others help maintain the tone and atmospherics of the film. While we talk atmospherics, there are very subtle, almost indistinguishable changes in the milieu of the film. This is mainly afforded by the natural lighting and it feels like there is very minimal use of filters. This lends an authentic look to the whole presentation. The camera work is adequate, just what was required in the setting.
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Another interesting detail is the environmental symbolism. The characters’ inner-selves are a reflection of their immediate surroundings. Their moods and their motives are drawn out through a clear picture of the environment they are in. This results in clear communication of intention, motive and drive and allows for a better understanding of the psychology of the characters. After all, the deconstruction of the human psyche is the main point of interest of the film.
Filmmaker Sandeep Mohan has done a great job at portraying the vision that was within him. The story feels very authentic and organic. The pacing is pretty good as well. Some segments of the movie may seem to be unnecessary to the untrained eye. This involves the part with the recurring old-timer singing his croony music and appearing in the form of hallucination to one of the lead characters. This sub plotline gets no conclusion and reaches no climax. Yet, it adds a sort of depth to the character in question.
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Nirmal Anand Ki Puppy is also a film that questions modern day relationships. It asks us whether relationships that seem to be healthy are truly fulfilling or not. People usually wear masks in order to hide their frustration when they are involved in a social contract that has become tiring and unrewarding for them. We see the same thing in the film as well. All could seem to be quite upbeat on the surface but deep down, individuals might feel tied down, forced to adjust and accommodate to the whims and wishes of the counterpart. The film focuses on an idea of equal contribution and compromise and emphasises on the fact that it is the only route to a harmonious existence.
All in all, Nirmal Anand Ki Puppy is definitely worth your time. Some of the scenes will take you by surprise but the movie itself relies more on a cumulative and accumulated emotional intelligence and experience that is subtle but impactful. Frankly, the movie was a breath of fresh air, a zephyr. It’s a heartwarming, simplistic tale that will stay with you long after you’ve finished watching it.
It is a story of shifting horizons, of loss, of chasing one’s dreams and of love and respect. It’s a tale that grips your attention with the simplest of premises and the most complex of emotions — emotions that lay buried deep within, emotions that we’re afraid to face. Don’t miss it when it’s out on theatres end of this year.
Rating: 3/5
By Deepjyoti Roy
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