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 !

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...

We often hear and read about suicide victims or about those who have attempted suicide. It's not often that we get to know about the people who work at suicide prevention hotlines. For me, this is the main USP of this film - its unique angle that's often overlooked.

While Harsh Chhaya is an established actor and essays his role really well as expected, I really liked Rucha Inamdar's performance as the suicide prevention counselor. Both actors are vulnerable with their emotions and their natural, organic style of acting helps take the story forward.

The pacing, however, was a bit of a letdown for me. The movie gets off to a great start - it had me engaged, the lead character of Aliah was interesting, and so was the premise. But after the 30 minute mark things suddenly slowed down and the tension that was built in those first 30 mins almost seemed to vanish. It started to feel more just like a chat between two people exchanging stories from their life. While it was interesting to uncover the lead characters' backgrounds, I felt the sense of urgency that was required in a story like this was lost.

As expected from a story that revolves around suicide, things do come to a head at the end, but I felt a little reminder here and there during the major chunk of the runtime would've been effective in keeping the audience on its toes. But maybe this wasn't the purpose that the writer and director, Aditya Kripalani, had for this piece. Maybe he meant for it to be a character exploration rather than a tale of trepidation and suspense. In which case, he definitely succeeded.

Nevertheless, it's a story that needed to be told and needs to be watched, so I'd definitely recommend you do. I'd like to thank the team at Mumba Devi Motion Pictures and also Aditya Kripalani for giving me access to the preview screener for this film and allowing me to freedom to give an honest review. Hope to see more thought-provoking films like this one being made by you!

This movie is a perfect example of storytelling that focuses on substance over style, without unnecessary frills or distractions. Right from the start, it captivates the audience by presenting a narrative that is both emotionally engaging and thought-provoking. Aditya, the director, has managed to deliver a film that feels both raw and real. The movie digs deep into the complexities of human emotions, and in doing so, it invites the audience to connect on a deeply personal level with the characters.

One of the strongest aspects of this film is the sheer honesty with which it handles human emotions. Often, movies that attempt to portray raw emotion end up feeling forced or overdone. However, this film avoids such pitfalls entirely. The portrayal of each character's journey feels organic, and the emotional depth is so authentic that it resonates strongly with the viewer. Aditya's direction ensures that the movie never veers into melodrama, allowing the story to unfold in a way that feels genuine and poignant.

Another aspect that deserves special mention is the balance between the film's darker moments and its sense of hope. There are certainly times when the story dives into heavy and challenging emotional territory, reflecting the hardships and struggles that are all too familiar in real life. Yet, even in these darkest moments, the film never feels bleak or despairing. Instead, there is always a glimmer of hope, a spark of love that shines through and keeps the audience invested. This balance is masterfully maintained throughout, ensuring that the film is emotionally layered without being overwhelming.

One of the key successes of the film lies in its ability to move the audience. Not many films manage to create a lasting emotional impact, but this one does so effortlessly. Whether it's the quiet, reflective moments or the intense, heart-wrenching scenes, the film has a way of staying with you long after the credits roll. This is largely thanks to the powerful performances of the cast, who bring a sense of vulnerability and strength to their roles. Each actor delivers a performance that is subtle yet powerful, creating characters that feel fully fleshed out and relatable.

The script is tightly written, with every scene serving a purpose and contributing to the overall narrative. There is no unnecessary dialogue, no scenes that drag on for too long-everything feels deliberate and meaningful. This precision in storytelling allows the film to maintain a steady pace, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. The dialogue, in particular, stands out for its simplicity and authenticity. It feels like real conversations between real people, which only serves to enhance the emotional depth of the film.

The cinematography is subtle yet effective, using natural light and simple framing to highlight the emotions of the characters rather than distract from them. The use of shadows and light is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects the film's overarching theme of finding hope and love even in the darkest moments. Every shot is carefully composed to add another layer of meaning to the story, creating a visually immersive experience.

The music also plays a crucial role in elevating the emotional impact of the film. The score is understated, allowing the emotions of the characters to take center stage, yet it enhances the overall atmosphere in just the right way. It's the kind of soundtrack that complements the story without overpowering it, further enhancing the film's sense of realism and authenticity.

In conclusion, this movie is a triumph of storytelling that deserves to be seen by a wider audience. It's a film that isn't afraid to tackle difficult emotions head-on while still offering a message of hope and resilience. The entire team, from the director to the actors to the technical crew, deserves immense praise for creating a film that is both deeply moving and incredibly engaging. It's the kind of film that stays with you, not because of flashy visuals or elaborate plot twists, but because of the honesty and heart at its core. I sincerely hope that more people have the opportunity to experience this film-it's truly something special.