This Death does not go in vain

Movie: A Death in the Gunj

Cast: Vikrant Massey, Gulshan Devaiah, Tillotama Shome, Jim Sarbh, Kalki Koechlin, Ranvir Shorey, Arya Sharma, Tanuja, Om Puri

Rating: **** (1/2 extra for the acting)

Sometimes even to Live is an act of courage – Seneca

The movie is set in 1978 in the town of McCluskieganj (then in Bihar). It starts with a couple Nandu (Gulshan Devaiah) and Bonnie ( Tillotama Shome) and their daughter Arya Sharma (Tani) visiting her grandparents OP (Om Puri) and Anupama (Tanuja) in McCluskiegang. They are joined by Mimi (Kalki) and Shutu(Vikrant Massey) on this trip from Kolkata. Here they get together with their old friends Vikram (Ranvir Shorey) and Brian (Jim Sarbh). The film then takes us through a week of their stay and into their lives during this time.

The story mainly revolves around Shuttu, a shy introvert who lacks confidence. It starts with a simple game of Planchet and with time more incidents follow which unknowingly affects Shuttu emotionally and breaks his confidence even more. He holes up further because of the apathy and insensitivity of the adults around him. His only friend here is the 8 year old Tani who shares a rapport with him.

This movie showcases how we as a society inflict emotional violence towards people with our irresponsible behavior. Many times our unintentional and harmless bullying leads to the complete destruction of a person. So it becomes very important to weigh the consequences of our actions and act accordingly otherwise it may lead to results that may be irrevocable.  

With this film Konkona Sensharma has proved that she is not only a brilliant actress but a brilliant director too. She uses natural surroundings and environment to turn this film into a thriller, like the dead silence at night in a small town with only the crickets chirping and this was enough to send chills down our spines. There are many scenes that keep you at the edge of your seats. The glacial pace of the story takes its time and slowly builds up into its climax.  

The ensemble acting cast of the movie comprises of all my personal favorite actors. A bunch of super talented actors have been rounded up by Konkona Sensharma and that was exactly what was required for this film. Each actor played their character like they were born into it. But Vikrant Massey takes away the prize here. He is very convincing as Shuttu, a demure unconfident young man who is continuously bullied by everyone around. Your heart completely goes out to him. Ranvir Shorey as the brash Vikram also stands out for his performance. I wish I could’ve seen more of Jim in the film.

One has to face life and live it up. DEATH is not the solution to any problem.