Review of A Death in the Gunj

So this was movie that was recommend by most of the "best in decade " lists, and I had to watch it. First thoughts: melonchaly, second these tragedies can be avoided , if only we are more sensitive to others especially the ones that are vunreable. Shutu is the guy we all know and its so easy to believe him, Vikrant Massey is unbelievabley good , he brings the vunrebility and a sense of helplessness. This movie is a great depiction of someone going through depression, he's able to bring the guilt he feels for failing his mom and exams and how it leads to him digging deeper in his sadness, perhaps he wanted to go to that vacation to freshen up his mind and take a break. Instead the behavior of his family was to make him retreat even further within himself and towards self-loathing and shame. The scene where he comes back from the ditch and sees everyone having a great time, makes seeting impact, it shows he's neither wanted nor loved and despensible. Kalki's character further pushes him, since for her he is just a distraction and a way to even score with her ex-boyfriend who she still feels for. Each character fails Shutu and the hurt and anguish keeps gaining momentum. The last straw is when the little girl who is his only companion and whom he loves also spurns him. The movie has the mood, the time and place act like a glue and keeps you in that space and very slowly, in fact creepingly you start seeing the journey of Shutu to his last action. Konkana has kept her lens slow and focused because she wants you to see the pattern and slow march towards self-destruction and meaninglessness. Its not impulsive but gradual and a week is what it takes to push someone to the precipice.

I'm saddened but at the same time sensitive to inintended consequences of our harmless actions can sometimes bring, perhaps thats the message, also the garb of masuline ans macho as the only yardstick to judge a man on-why a sensitive man cannot be also be desirable? And lastly, tragedies can be avoided if only we are empathetic towards others and especially vunreable ones who need more love.