Losing friends over election arguments? Watching this short film could help solve this

The short film Desh Dosti Etc, set in the time of elections, drives home the point that one should not spoil friendships over differences in political ideologies
The film was released on April 10, 2019 | (Pic: BnR Films)
The film was released on April 10, 2019 | (Pic: BnR Films)

How many of us have come close to sparring with friends or acquaintances on social media as to who will (or should) win the Lok Sabha elections this time? If you're one of them, then you should watch the short film Desh Dosti Etc. From the award-winning production house of BnR Films, this short film, which is a little over 25 minutes long, features a conversation between two people centred around elections. Award-winning director of Kotpad Weaving: The Story of a Race Against TimeBiswanath Rath, who has also directed this short film, chose Hindi and not Odia to ensure that the film finds a larger audience. And though he is seasoned when it comes to working with new actors, he says, "When we are making an independent film with several major challenges like lack of time, resources or location, for me, it's easier and satisfying to work with first-time actors since their level of determination, commitment, patience, flexibility and cooperation is extraordinary." We talk to the leads to find out about their experience.

His calling

In the role: Ashish Kumar portrayed the role of Uttam | (Pic: BnR Films) 

After quitting a corporate job, Ashish Kumar, who plays Uttam in this short film, pursued a course from the Institute of Creative Excellence, Mumbai (launched by television producer Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms) and this is his first official project outside the classroom. "I read the script and was amazed by the dialogues and the way it was written, but had to work at remembering them and the delivery," says the 28-year-old. It was the director's belief, who knew exactly what he wanted, that boosted his confidence. Talking about acting itself, the Bhubaneswar-based youngster says, "I have never felt so sure of myself."

So relatable 

On her own: Sonal Khare plays the role of Sonal | (Pic: BnR Films)

Sonal Khare, who plays Sonal in this short film, works at State Bank of India and is currently posted in Goa. She was pursuing a course from Anupam Kher's Actor Prepares and then, this opportunity came up. "My idea of acting has always been that it is more about reacting, so I concentrated on keeping it subtle," says the youngster who was born in Jhansi. She is extremely happy with the response that the film has been receiving and is most happy about the fact that people are able to relate to the film. 

They took four weeks to complete the film, from pre-production to final print

Four takeaways from the movie, as per the director -

Post-release, the audience and critics proved us right as everyone liked the timing and thoroughly appreciated the concept

Biswanath Rath, Director, Desh Dosti Etc | (Pic: BnR Films) 

- Supporting or opposing any political party doesn’t make you a bigger or smaller patriot or an ‘anti-national’
- It’s very easy to become a keyboard warrior or an activist on social media alone, but if you really care for your nation, you should cast your vote
- No party is perfect, thus, it’s not necessary to either support or oppose any party. You can be an unbiased citizen, appreciating the government for its good work and criticising it for its wrong deeds
- If something is spoken in favour of the leader or a party we support, then we appreciate the media for covering the truth. If the same media publishes something against them, then it immediately becomes ‘paid media’

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