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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

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

  From the eyes of the young   

My Top 3 Book Recommendations ft. Children  

Exploration, growth and discovery is the intricate tapestry of childhood. A young mind is always transforming their perceptions, thoughts and abilities with the vast landscape around them from an infant’s first murmurs to curious questions of a preschooler, and  there on the journey of understanding and learning never stops. In the midst of adulthood we don’t realize when we lose curiosity in the process.   

As grown ups, we have lost the delicate touch of our childhood, and we later deal with the problem of understanding what goes on inside a child’s mind. In this article, we have gathered 3 treasure troves of books to understand children better.   

  • The Little Prince

The Little Prince is a novella written by Antoine De Saint Expury, a french aristocrat, writer and military pilot. This book is a literary masterpiece that is a treat to the heart of readers both young and old. 

At the core of it, “The Little Prince” is a story portraying the importance of imagination, love and deals with issues related to loneliness and loss. The beauty lies in the relationship between the narrator and the little prince. And, a world through the eyes of a child. The Little Prince’s profound observations invite the readers to reflect on the complexities of adult life. So. Pause all the hustle-bustle of life, Pick up The Little Prince and learn to embrace the inner child within you, enjoy the simplicity and joy of life. 

  • How Do You Live 

How Do You Live is a novel written back in 1937 by the author Genzaburo Yoshina but the quests are as fresh as any modern-day teenager would feel. The novel features a 15-year-old young boy named Koperu and the bond he shares with his Uncle, who was a constant source of guidance to him, to navigate the challenges and learn the joy of existence. The story is based on themes such as resilience, friendship, and humanity. 

When I read this book I was 18, and I thought I was mature enough to handle and understand the complexities of life but I packed a bundle of learnings in the journey of reading this book which I go back to at times when I feel the human in me is dying. So, Even if you think you are sagacious like I do, consider picking up this book to burst the myth and find yourself in a trajectory of love, life, and human experiences. 

  • To Kill a Mockingbird 

To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic work of fiction written by a renowned author Harper Lee. The story is narrated through the point of view of a young girl named Scout Finch along with his elder brother Jem and a friend Dill. The narrative sets a theme as these three young minds completely unaware of the cruelty of the world get introduced to racism, societal prejudices, and morality. 

The author has very intelligently brought young children into the narrative, to increase the intensity of a vaguely faced societal issue, racism in the American South during the  1930s. If I ever have to learn how to delicately deal with innocent yet profound questions of children who are in the process of understanding the world, I will learn it from this book. 

Towards the end of writing this article, I’m suddenly taken back to the emotions I experienced while reading these books. I read tons of books every year but any book that features children as protagonists always makes me biased towards my choices and shamelessly I can’t help it. Young minds always have a better way of questioning the complexities of life and humanity and a much better approach to enjoying existence. I have always learned a lot from children and I hope I keep doing so. 

I want most of us to embrace the way young minds think. In pursuit of it, I recommended some of my favorite books to you. I hope you pick these books up and delve into the quest of curiosity:)     

By Kritika Pandey, ago