Kritika Pandey

The Gift of What We Have 

Have you ever considered what the most common privilege you possess is? It’s the ability to read! Take a moment to sit down and reflect on each word you can see, identify, read, and understand. Isn’t that enough?

In a fast-paced world, filled with the hustle to succeed, we often overlook the small things around us that deserve our appreciation. Until a few weeks ago, I was also not fully aware of my privilege of reading. However, after finishing the novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, one passage resonated with me deeply:

Ma, I don’t know if you’ve made this in this letter–or if you’ve it made it here at all. You always tell me it’s too late for you to read, with your poor liver, your exhausted bones, that after every thing you have been through, you’d like to rest now. That reading is a privilege you made possible for me with what you lost.

Ocean Vuong

This illustrates just one way to acknowledge your privileges. In my experience with yoga, the trainers often remind me to express gratitude for my body’s ability to get out of bed and move. This, too, is a privilege I have. Life can be much simpler than we often make it.

The Simple Steps to Gratitude

Practicing gratitude can feel daunting. At times, it may seem like you are pressuring yourself to feel a certain way or to be forceful in trying to be grateful for something; I understand that feeling well. Let’s simplify it.

I came across a helpful Reddit thread that explains this beautifully:

It sounds like you might be putting too much pressure on yourself to feel a certain way during your gratitude practice. Instead of focusing on trying to force a specific feeling, what if you reframed the goal as simply establishing a habit and training your mind?

Think of it like exercise or brushing your teeth. When you first start working out or commit to better dental hygiene, you probably don’t feel thrilled about it. You’re just going through the motions because you know it’s good for you in the long run. But if you keep at it consistently, it becomes a natural, almost effortless habit.

Gratitude can work the same way. By taking a few minutes each day to write down what you’re grateful for, even if you don’t feel much at the moment, you’re planting seeds. You’re cultivating an intention to notice and appreciate the good in your life. Over time, with practice, your mind starts doing this more automatically. You spontaneously notice things to be grateful for throughout your day.

So, set aside some quiet time one day to reflect on your privileges. Why? Because our minds need to recognize that the pressures we carry are not all that define us.

By Kritika Pandey, ago

What Sapta Sagardache Elllo teaches us about love?

I recently came across a quote by Simone de Beauvoir:

“I really think marriage is a rotten institution and when you love a man, don’t spoil everything by marrying him”.

This line was used in a letter to Nelson Algren.

It’s about how your life can fall apart after an unhealthy marriage, with your ambitions taking a back seat and joy becoming scarce. I want to clarify that I’m not trying to paint a negative image of marriage, but rather addressing the issue of unhappy marriages in society.

We see a similar situation in the case of Priya, the female protagonist in the movie “Sapta Sagardache Ello”. Her deep love for singing faded after her marriage. However, to make her sing, Manu goes to great lengths, and amidst this, we learn the most vital lessons of love through the subtleties of the film “Sapta Sagardache Ello”.

The happiness of someone you love matters above all.

If you love someone, all you want is to keep them happy. In this case, Priya’s happiness is brought by Manu without her knowing it. Manu comes back from jail and notices that Priya is unhappy. He helps her through her husband and brother by buying her a new home because the current one is small, packed, and suffocating. Manu also helps her husband by giving loans.

He knows Priya’s idea of an ideal house – open, with a healthy source of sunshine and a room with a blue-colored wall.

You understand their passion

It’s no one but your partner who should understand your passion. Manu, who couldn’t marry Priya due to circumstances, found out that Priya had stopped singing after marrying someone else. Burdened with family responsibilities and suppressed by marriage and having a child, Priya abandoned her love for singing and listening to music.

To make her sing again, Manu crossed all bounds.

Respecting Boundaries 

If you love someone, you will know how to respect boundaries.

After 10 years in jail, Manu learns that Priya is married and has a child. Instead of intruding in her already settled life, Manu stays away and secretly makes efforts to keep her happy, without Priya knowing.

If you watch this film, you might find the approach a little harrowing and preachy because the character Manu has just been released from jail and has undergone certain facial changes and behaviours that are quite terrifying. However, beneath all of this, his intention was simply to keep the girl he has loved all his life happy, which stood out as a lesson in love for me.

I recommend watching this film – Both Sides A and B on Amazon Prime. It’s a story that features love, corruption, and deep emotions.

By Kritika Pandey, ago

How to write a protagonist ft. Kota Factory 

If you don’t know which show we will talk about today then you are living under the rocks. But to brief you a bit, Kota Factory is a black-and-white web show by T.V.F, and its third season was released on June 20 and has been booming ever since; the show also landed on the worldwide highest ranking of its highest trending series on Netflix.

Centered around Vaibhav, our protagonist, who comes to Kota to prepare for JEE, makes some friends, and explores what student life in Kota is like. 

But it’s not only Vaibhav who gets to explore this aspect of Kota, but you along with him also get on the ride to experience what it feels like to be a JEE aspirant in Kota. 

You might have heard enough about how good the show is all across the internet. But, In this article, I’ll discuss one thing in particular, which Kota Factory has cracked well: How the Kota Factory taught us to Write a Good Protagonist.

Realistic

The foremost trait of a realistic character is authenticity.  

In the first season, Vaibhav moves out from his home to Kota and struggles to live a life away from his parents. He doesn’t enjoy the food, the water, and the environment at first but slowly and steadily he develops. 

The authenticity with which this situation fits the protagonist makes for an amazing realistic connection.  

The portrayal of authentic undertones of a student’s life and trying to make sense of everything is a perfect example of how to write and place a realistic and simple character in a show made around and for students. 

Relatable

In fiction story-telling, it’s enigmatic to write a character that resonates with the audience. 

For Example, When Vaibhav starts his journey in Kota he faces the consequences of lagging, his irritation is visible through constantly studying and not finding a balance, and even little moments of joy and infatuation provide a sense of relatability.  

The consequences, ruthlessness, irritation, and triumphant are surreal which is as exact as any guy around his age would behave.

Mediocre

Since Kota Factory is not aiming for an out-of-the-box protagonist they have kept the character of Vaibhav mediocre keeping in mind the audience who are to witness it. 

Vaibhav does not hoard any extraordinary talent, he scores decent marks and focuses constantly on doing well in his studies.  

There are hardly any protagonists who are framed in a mediocre light.

Unique and Memorable

The Mediocracy brightens the overall protagonist personality of Vaibhav. 

As I mentioned earlier, there are hardly any protagonists who are framed in a mediocre light, which makes for a unique and memorable protagonist for Kota Factory. 

If Jeetu Bhaiya is loved for his motivational dialogues, Vaibhav as a protagonist should be loved for the sense of belonging towards the character. 

Finally, A Satisfying Protagonist

After all the qualities we mentioned around Vaibhav in this article, it’s safe to say that he qualifies as a satisfying protagonist. 

He is mediocre, relatable, realistic, and feels like one of us. Imagine a main character who is like you and wouldn’t it automatically make you feel better confident and motivated for life? 

Finally, The main character doesn’t have to be extraordinary, they can be like you and me. 

By Kritika Pandey, ago

 Narrative Journey through Music Videos

I’m always fascinated by the ability of a musician to convey emotions through their art.  They have a unique power with which they can portray any complex feeling with poetic choice of words and music. The internet is filled with countless songs for every imaginable mood. While people can express their emotions through music. A musician’s feeling is expressed well through the music videos that incorporate storytelling. 

Since the introduction of videotaping, the world of music videos has undergone a significant evolution. Collaborating with talented filmmakers, artists have been able to tell great stories within a short span of 3-5 minutes. Expanding on this idea, I have compiled a list of 4 music videos that I believe have successfully mastered the art of storytelling. 

Aaj Na- Ritviz 

Directed by: Reema Maya

The video tells the story of two people who have experienced heartbreak. The first person is a son, and the second is his mother. At the core of its narrative, it generates the importance of someone close to you to be by your side through your difficult time. Their support and efforts matter a lot when everything seems. The storytelling is excellent which is explored well through the cinematography and thoughtful use of colors to portray every emotion. 

Head on this music video, if you want to witness something jaunty in a 4 min clip. 

Jaadu Maya- Indian Ocean

Directed by: Ankit Kapoor and Varun Grover 

The band Indian Ocean is known for creating beautiful melodies like Mann Kasturi or Tu Kisi Rail Si Guzarti Hai. But for me, what sets them apart is how they use music as a tool to highlight political oppressions in society. In their music video for Jaadu Maya, the director uses animation to portray the impacts of climate change that we have ignored for years. We have prioritized our own comfort and wealth over the environment, and this video shows the disastrous consequences of our actions. I urge you to check out the music video and realize the legacy we are leaving for future generations. 

Khwaab- Anumita Nadesan

Directed by Sajana Krishnan. 

Khwaab follows the story of a young girl who dreams of breaking free from the monotony of everyday life and finding peace outside the confines of her four walls. The film takes us on a journey of exploration, showcasing the nuances of life through the use of binoculars, bright colors, and beautiful sunsets. There is more to discover and appreciate in this video, so go and watch it yourself and see what you can find.”

The world of music videos serves as an area where stories unfold, emotions are expressed and societal issues are brought to light. Aaj Na by Ritviz under the direction of Reema Maaya, beautifully captures the essence of human connections and the profound importance of having a loved one’s support during challenging times.
Switching gears to Indian Ocean’s Jaadu Maya, directed by Ankit Kapoor and Varun Grover, the band’s ability to weave political commentary into melodies takes center stage. The animated visuals serve as a reminder of the environmental consequences, conditions of media, and negligence.
Finally, Anumita Nadesan’s Khwaab, directed by Sanjana Krishnan takes on a visual journey of exploration and self-discovery.
So, Immerse yourself in visual tales and let the music guide you.

By Kritika Pandey, ago

A Deep Dive into All India Rank

“All India Rank” is a story about the constant pressure of post-liberalization and the competitive spirit that a middle-class guy feels while preparing for IIT. But in the end, the moral serves what one needs is balance.

My driving motivation for watching this film was Varun Grover, who has written brilliant songs like “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” and dialogues for “Masaan”. Being a fan of his lyrical writing and stand-up comedy, this was my perfect chance to witness his nuance of filmmaking as a debutant filmmaker.

Even though you may have seen this take on IIT prep earlier in “Kota Factory”, “All India Rank” tries its best to capture the essence of the heat that goes around the coaching centers in Kota. Other than the heat of preparation, what the film captures well is the quintessence of the ’90s.

In this article, I have mentioned those parts of the film that are heartwarming yet explain the nuances of the film. So let’s jump right into it.

Home-Made Ladoos

 If you have ever lived away from home, you will understand the value of a box filled with homemade ladoos. Vivek, the protagonist of this story, arrives at his hostel with a bag full of expectations and a box of ladoos that he has to ration through the entire year. These ladoos have helped him on sleepless nights when he has prepared for his mock tests. This element in the film is a direct indication of packed love that reminds you of home. Also, a constant reminder of why you are away from home.

Middle-Class

.

 The middle class is a section of society that often places a great deal of focus on the education of their children. This focus can result in significant pressure being placed on the child to achieve academic success. This pressure is often closely tied to the parents’ aspirations for their child. 

For Vivek, who comes from a middle-class background, the dream of attending IIT is especially important to him and his parents. However, this dream is not necessarily his own; rather, it is something that his parents have planned for him. This can create a great deal of stress and pressure for Vivek, as he works to fulfill his parents’ expectations.

Routine Phone Calls & Chat-Limit

A 90s era is best described as the pre-smartphone era. when people made calls through PCOs (Public Call Offices). You might have seen this romanticized in Bollywood films, where PCO calling was often portrayed as a way for lovers to communicate. In the All India Rank, PCO calls were limited to four minutes, which meant that even though there was so much to talk about, everything had to be said within that short timeframe. Those four minutes were often the most meaningful moments of the day, until the conversation turned towards mundane topics like preparing for IIT exams.

Life & Hormones

The movie has astutely addressed the problems faced by adolescents. It depicts the life of a 17-year-old and how he copes with the hormonal changes that his body undergoes during that time. Masturbation, developing a fondness for a girl, and other experiences that teenage boys typically encounter are some of the significant changes that occur during puberty, and this film has delicately touched on those subjects. 

Life Post IIT preparation

Upon returning home after a year of preparing for the IIT, Vivek noticed that the situation at his house had changed. His father had lost his job, and his mother had developed high cholesterol and was bedridden. Now, the pressure to clear the IIT was even greater. All the responsibility and hope for happiness rested on young Vivek’s shoulders, as he pursued a goal he wasn’t sure he even wanted.

The film “All India Rank”goes beyond the nuances that I’ve mentioned. I’m not writing a mundane review that you can find on the internet. Instead, I want to express my admiration for Varun Grover’s art of filmmaking. Despite some flaws here and there, I thoroughly enjoyed this film.

If you haven’t watched “All India Rank” yet, I highly recommend heading to your nearest theater before it leaves.

By Kritika Pandey, ago

Why Films are Important?

Around 40,000 years ago, before the advent of cinema, there existed painting as a means of describing emotions, actions, and their outcomes. Later, theater emerged as a form of entertainment that enabled audiences to experience real and imagined events live. Advancement in theater lead to Cinema where experiences, stories, ideas and atmosphere were showcased through the use of moving images. 

  Over time, Cinema has become a popular pastime for audiences , but is Cinema just a way to kill boredom? While Films can certainly help to pass the time during a long flight or bring a family together over snacks on the sofa, it should be viewed as more than just a source of entertainment. Cinema can serve as a tool for learning or even therapy. The purpose of cinema goes beyond mere amusement and can be well-described as such:

  • Cinema Makes us Appreciate Our Privileges
Do Dooni Chaar

Many of us perceive our lives as dull, unhappy, and stressful. However, the world of cinema presents us with stories of everyday life, capturing human moments that we might have otherwise overlooked. Heartwarming songs and intimate details within these stories allow us to connect and relate to them, adding some flavor to our mundane lives. The purpose of these tales is to help us appreciate the beauty of our ordinary lives, instead of complaining about them.

  • Cinema Prepares us For Future Conflicts
Black Swan

Sometimes you are unaware of the end results of your action and you end up attempting mistakes that you shouldn’t have. The portrayal of the situations in any film and its extreme outcome can probably prepare you for future conflicts and the result of the conflict.

  • Cinema Frames Vivid Human Conditions and Emotions 

It is easy to live inside our own bubbles, unaware of the challenges, sorrows, and injustices that exist in the world. However, the purpose of cinema is to bring you stories, scenarios and cases that will open your eyes to things you may not have known about before. This is the power of cinema; it makes you more aware and human, and it keeps you grounded. It reminds us that there are lives being lived beyond our own experiences that we should be aware of.

  •   Cinema Portrays Risks On-Screen 
Free Solo

The act of witnessing someone stepping outside of their comfort zone can be incredibly inspiring. It can fuel you with the motivation to try something new, even if it may seem daunting at first. Heroic tales and motivational stories have the power to encourage you to take risks and push yourself beyond your limits. Movies can also serve as a source of inspiration, motivating you to do something extraordinary.  

Films can do so much for us. They depict our emotions and cultivate empathy, they comfort our unimaginable fear, they shape our understanding of what is considered normal, they take us toward good conduct. It’s time that we should stop looking at cinema as only a mere form of entertainment in society. Cinema at its finest,  is a guide to life and applied philosophy. 

By Kritika Pandey, ago