Onekta Cinema review: Journey into a mind riddled with anxieties

Arnab K Kar and Indrani Adak’s short film Onekta Cinema is based on the crisis faced by freelancers in the lockdown. Featuring Himon Ghosh as the protagonist Nikhil and Sohini Ghosh as his love interest Piu, the entire film has been shot predominantly in hues of grey.

Stuck at home, Nikhil is unable to find the inspiration for writing something original. The uncertainty surrounding his work has driven him to a state of acute depression. After undergoing two sessions of counselling online, he stops reaching out for help.

All of a sudden, one day, he finds himself bombarded with writing assignments. The deadlines only seem to aggravate his anxieties and he decides to talk to his girlfriend, hoping to derive some comfort from the conversation. But instead of consoling him, Piu tells him that he has lost himself in the rat race of making money, instead of honing his talent as a writer.

Nikhi's anxieties flare up again when he receives a call about some stories that he had submitted to a magazine. They tell him that he has emerged winner, kindling hope for a brighter future. Gathering a little courage, he asks for the prize money. The irony of the situation hits him when the magazine asks him to deposit money for publishing his stories instead.

The short film reveals the insensitive and opportunistic work culture prevailing across industries. Those who do not have a permanent source of income easily succumb to the heavy workload, only to realise, much later, that they are being brutally exploited.

Onekta Cinema also talks about depression and seeks to dispel beliefs that it can be cured at once with affirmations like “Be positive”. However, the quick solution at the end counters the idea that it is a long arduous process to find motivation in a state of depression, and to finally overcome it. It is understandable that the directors wanted to propagate the idea of positivity and the importance of having courage no matter the circumstances.

In the end, Nikhil gets the best piece of advice, as he is asked to seek inspiration from his own life, which in the pandemic, makes for a very good story. However, for a patient of depression, it is probaby the most difficult task.

Himon’s performance seems repetitive. But at the same time, he manages to establish the trauma he is going through, while speaking to each of the employers in a sunken voice. Also his outburst later, as he vents his frustration alone in his room, is well done. However, Sohini’s dialogue delivery could have done with some modulation.

The skilfull cinematography brings out the loneliness of the protagonist amidst the confinement of the lockdown, reflecting the mental state of millions currently experiencing the same situation.

Watch the film below: