Courtesy: New Indian Express, Hyderabad
Modern Day Moral Ambiguity
Express Features
First Published : 27 Sep 2010 12:37:27 AM IST
“I just want to be a good human being. Everything I do is an extension of my creative interests,” says 22-year-old Mayank Singh whose first short film film, Humme Se Ek wa
s screened at the Hyderabad 
Short and Documentary Film Festival at Ravindra Bharathi on September 26.
Currently pursuing post graduation in Hindi journalism from the Institute of Mass Communication in Delhi, Mayank has several interests like photography and dubbing, among others.
Is life all about self-preservation? His 28 minute sh
ort film, that ends with this line, is an attempt to echo the sentiments of the common man and his moral ambiguity in the face of the discharge of his duties as a responsible citizen of the country. “I have tried to bring to the fore core issues of our nation, like naxalism and corruption, to name a few. The film questions if we have lost our humanity,” says Mayank. “However, the film is more than just politics. It is not based on real events,” he quickly adds.
The director’s circumspection is, to some extent, reflective of the protagonist’s dilemma in the film, wherein he is caught between the desire of making a positive difference to the country and yet wary of the repercussions of being a whistle blower in this country.
The f
ilm voices concern about fake encounter killings and lack of probity in the country that is regularly hit by a vortex of corruption scandals. The film’s premise, to address the angst of the man across the street who re
ads papers and watches 24-hour news television sure makes a point. However, the film neither provides any fresh insight on the burning issues in the country, nor is a poignant tale of what happens to a man who stands up for transparency and accountability in the establishment.
Also, the background score of the film at times does very little to accentuate the emotion of the characters. The acting, a tad amateurish, stalls the impact of the narrative that borders on the verbose.
The film, towards the end, unsurprisingly, seems like one of those endless television debates that you see day in and day out.
Nevertheless, the film scores on a few well-crafted scenes at the start and in the middle that holds the interest of the audience. A decent attempt but subtlety is clearly lacking.
Modern Day Moral Ambiguity
Express Features
First Published : 27 Sep 2010 12:37:27 AM IST
“I just want to be a good human being. Everything I do is an extension of my creative interests,” says 22-year-old Mayank Singh whose first short film film, Humme Se Ek wa
s screened at the Hyderabad 
Short and Documentary Film Festival at Ravindra Bharathi on September 26.Currently pursuing post graduation in Hindi journalism from the Institute of Mass Communication in Delhi, Mayank has several interests like photography and dubbing, among others.
Is life all about self-preservation? His 28 minute sh
ort film, that ends with this line, is an attempt to echo the sentiments of the common man and his moral ambiguity in the face of the discharge of his duties as a responsible citizen of the country. “I have tried to bring to the fore core issues of our nation, like naxalism and corruption, to name a few. The film questions if we have lost our humanity,” says Mayank. “However, the film is more than just politics. It is not based on real events,” he quickly adds.The director’s circumspection is, to some extent, reflective of the protagonist’s dilemma in the film, wherein he is caught between the desire of making a positive difference to the country and yet wary of the repercussions of being a whistle blower in this country.
The f
ilm voices concern about fake encounter killings and lack of probity in the country that is regularly hit by a vortex of corruption scandals. The film’s premise, to address the angst of the man across the street who re
ads papers and watches 24-hour news television sure makes a point. However, the film neither provides any fresh insight on the burning issues in the country, nor is a poignant tale of what happens to a man who stands up for transparency and accountability in the establishment.Also, the background score of the film at times does very little to accentuate the emotion of the characters. The acting, a tad amateurish, stalls the impact of the narrative that borders on the verbose.
The film, towards the end, unsurprisingly, seems like one of those endless television debates that you see day in and day out.
Nevertheless, the film scores on a few well-crafted scenes at the start and in the middle that holds the interest of the audience. A decent attempt but subtlety is clearly lacking. 
