While out celebrating the birthday of his friend who is deployed in the army, a man learns of his death while on active duty. Unable to cope with the loss, he begins to spiral, rejecting the idea as well as becoming confrontational to those around him. As the situation begin to sink in, the man continues to struggle with the loss and begins to lose himself in booze and paranoia.
“The Call” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
“The Call” offers an intimate and sincere portrait of one man dealing with the loss of his friend. While expressing a more extreme form of coping, the short also examines the difficulty of some people to manage powerful emotions in such a situation. Consequently, the film not only explores the theme of loss but the inability some men face in rationalizing their emotions with their identity tied to masculinity.
The conflict is effortlessly presented by actor Chirag Mandawaria who conveys suppressed feelings manifesting in unhealthy ways. Madawaria straddles the line between complete breakdown and trying to keep an appearance of normalcy, best reflected in the scene where he learns of his friend's death. The weight of the news causes a slight tremble and a subtle shift in expression reflecting a desire to escape the reality thrust upon him. Overall, It is a reserved but powerful performance that conveys director Mohan Singh Gaharwar's vision and message.
The cinematography of Sandeep Singh brings the script and performances together with a keen eye for keeping the focus on the actor, having the background fade out to reflect the troubled contemplation of the protagonist. In addition, the sound design has some notable high points in also fading in or out certain noises to shift the narrative focus to greater impact. Overall, the presentation is somewhat marred by equipment used but undeniably well executed.
A strong entry in the short film format, “The Call” budget restraints will keep the short from broader appeal, but it highlights the ways to overcome such limitations to make an engaging project. Mohan Singh Gaharwar may prove to be an emerging talent that audiences should keep an eye on.
