Not Today

More than the film itself, I love the idea for which it stands for. I mean, the film is not bad; it's just that the core idea is far better than the overall product. NOT TODAY is a poignant and intimately told story about Alia, a young suicide prevention volunteer who gets a call on her first day from a middle-aged suicidal man who happens to also be a veteran in the same line of work. From there, the story is told through several anecdotes by both characters while desperately trying to connect with each other in search of belonging and meaning. The entire film is constructed through both characters talking to each other in a single eventful night with only diegetic sound in the background, thus lending a very realistic and organic ambience. The acting is also good, I mean both characters are subtle yet effective in their respective roles. My only gripe is with the writing; it's good, but somewhat broad stoked and could have used some more nuance and creativity to flesh out the story a little more.

All in all, NOT TODAY is a very well-intentioned and must-watch drama about a very relevant topic that's rarely talked about in the mainstream but, deserves a more urgent and deeper discourse. Well done ADITYA KRIPALANI and team! I can't wait to catch your other works.

"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.

Very nice concept of about life most watch these movie. It give idea about the relationship to the family and my mother , father These movie hoke you in loop about the two main characters and there life beyond there life you image and connect with your life l just watched Frist 15 minutes of movie and l stuk in the storytelling and each and every part of movie about have they unfold life of character .

These movie provide you knowledge about life and it show you importance of life and relationships

I honestly recommend these movie to watch its really warth about your time

Love these movie watch it.

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.

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.