Not Today

Thank you Aditya & team for making this much needed work. I feel there is a dire need of such art works, which are not kept making commercial output in mind. I hope that films like these get a global audience and commercial support as well. Having lost a near one to suicide, I'm deeply touched by the movie!

Rucha & Harsh have delivered phenomenal performances, special mention to the DOP as well. Most of the scenes have been shot in a theatrical manner, that makes the audience feel that they are sitting in a live show. I would suggest readers to watch this movie alone, to grasp the depth & the effort that the crew has gone through while bringing "Not Today" to light.

I have probaby seen the best movie I will see this year, today.

Not Today.

Thats the name of the movie. Directed by the festival favourite, Aditya Kripalani and 'lived' by the profoundly talented duo Harsh Chhaya & Rucha Inamdar. You will find it on YouTube.

The last time I felt so sucked into a story because of its characters was probably The Lunchbox.

You know the type when their nuanced lives become yours. You aren't looking in from the outside. Everything about them is several parts of you and that hurt inside, you don't really show others.

A young bohri girl choosing a suicide helpline as her first job.

A man teetering on the brink of an abyss.

And, what they become for each other.

I have always had the utmost respect for Harsh Chhaya's acting chops. He breaks your heart here. For the first 15-20 minutes of the movie, you mostly see him from the back. The physicality gives you the man's story much before he does. The broken back. A man who is not at peace. A man under seize.

If empathy were to have a face, it would be Rucha Inamdar's. His struggle is hers. Her panic settles him. They are both each other's last chance. I love the way she plays Aliah. Her hope and fight become the anchor of the movie.

This one definitely deserves to be seen. Trigger warnings in place. In a world with an increasing number of people in such peril, we need to ensure, Not Today !

"For those that we have lost, and for those that we can still save." This line at the very start of Not Today sets the tone for an intense, emotional ride. This film takes a rare dive into the delicate and underrepresented topic of suicide prevention. It's not just a movie that raises awareness; it shines a light on the emotional and psychological pressures we all face as human beings.

At the heart of the story is Aliah Rupawala, a 24-year-old Muslim woman, played with great sensitivity by Rucha Inamdar. Her portrayal of internal struggle is remarkable-layered with vulnerability and strength. Opposite her is Harsh Chhaya as Ashwin Mathur, a man standing at the edge of a high-rise, contemplating his final moments. Chhaya's performance carries emotional depth, and together, these two characters create a powerful dynamic that keeps you on edge, pulling you into their personal battles.

The storytelling is extraordinary. What starts off as a phone call to the suicide prevention helpline by a stranger transforms into a deep exploration of life, loss, and hope. As the film unfolds, each scene peels back layers, offering more complexity and emotional intensity. Kriplani's direction allows the plot to gradually reveal its depth without rushing into high drama.

Visually, the film captures the atmosphere of Mumbai, a city bustling with life yet full of silent struggles. The setting plays an important role, giving the story an authentic backdrop that enhances the realism of the narrative.

Both Rucha Inamdar and Harsh Chhaya deliver stunning performances, bringing immense emotional weight to their characters. They guide us through their inner turmoil, decisions, and growth in a way that feels deeply personal and relatable. Their performances are what make the film truly memorable.

Pacing-wise, Not Today is well-crafted. While there are a few minor moments that might feel unnecessary, they do little to detract from the overall impact of the film. The background score is subtle and seamless, so much so that it becomes an organic part of the storytelling, enhancing emotions without drawing attention to itself.

What makes Not Today stand out is its realism. The delicate handling of such a serious topic, combined with raw, honest performances, leaves a lasting emotional impact. It's a film that doesn't just make you think-it makes you feel. You walk away moved, reflecting on the pressures of life and the importance of empathy and connection.

"Not Today" is a must-watch for anyone seeking a story that goes beyond entertainment to explore the deeper, often overlooked struggles of the human experience.

Couldn't had been a better way to show this scenario depicting both the characters from their different backgrounds and who have their different stories. This film shows awareness on a lot of subjects but mainly the life of a suicide counselor. Also how much of this world needs people like them and how much of this people too needs people like them. I hope this movie helps people in the world facing same kinds of issue and people who watch this know how important it is to be sensitive towards people going through a hard time and get them the right help they need.

Overall a great movie. Loved it.

A film that reminds us that each life is valuable and worth saving. And how our unfulfilled expectations from life and people around us become a roadblock for us. Why acceptance of situation we are in without grudge is important to move forward. Also to understand that parents though elder to us are still fragile ordinary human beings, who need our compassion at times and not anger. Great writing, direction & awesome acting. Every person has a story, something we can't imagine unless we develop a deeper connect for which we usually don't have time or empathy. Self pity has become most common pass time for many of us and this coupled with finding someone in our mind to blame, makes us lonely and stagnant. Wish movie could have also thrown some light on how to move forward...