When two andolanjeevi youths, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt, exploded two bombs in the Central Assembly (present-day Parliament) on 3 April 1929 in protest against the passing of two repressive bills by the British Raj, they also shouted a slogan to the effect that “it takes a loud voice to make the deaf hear”.
It seems Prithviraj Sukumaran's character is using the same method to express his displeasure with the establishment in the upcoming political thriller Jana Gana Mana.
The t4 minute 16 second trailer for the film is cut in such a way that you feel you are watching a single scene from the film that gives you an idea about its tone without giving anything away about the plot. The trailer grabs attention with its serious and sombre tone.
The video begins with the introduction of Prithviraj's character, sitting outside a bureaucrat's office. Prithviraj, who has been falsely accused and beaten up by police for participating in a protest, is limping and now requires a walking stick. He is seeking compensation from the government for the police brutality.
The video is interjected with clips of protesters to give a context to what is happening. As Prithviraj leaves the office, a bomb explodes behind him. His expression of shock and surprise slowly turns into a smirk, indicating that it was probably he who planted the bomb. Mamta Mohandas and Suraj Venjaramoodu, who is playing a police officer, appear briefly in the trailer.
The trailer keeps the viewer interested despite its subdued tone. The final portion is what makes it stand out, because of the way it has been filmed, in a continuous long take without any cuts.
While the trailer does not reveal anything about the film's plot, if one has to make a guess, it seems the film tries to expose the deep-rooted corruption and the nexus between politicians and bureaucrats.
Helmed by Dijo Jose Antony and produced by Supriya Menon and Listin Stephen, Jana Gana Mana is scheduled to be released in cinemas on 28 April. Watch the trailer below and let us know if you are keen to watch this film.