Akram Hassan’s short film examines the inability of society to accept a confluence of religions.
Cinestaan Curates: Pandit Usman reflects on the irrationality of hate
Cinestaan Rating
Release Date: 14 Jul 2020 / 28min
Sukhpreet Kahlon | New Delhi, 13 Aug 2021 16:44 IST
Written and directed by Akram Hassan, the short film Pandit Usman examines the politics of hate which poisons the minds of people to such an extent that they are unable to accept any peaceful, joyous possibilities.
With its curious title, Pandit Usman weaves its narrative from the eyes of a nine-year-old, whose father, Usman, comes home after spending several days in hospital for a heart transplant. Delighted that his father is awake and well, the son is unable to spot the sudden changes in Usman which shake the rest of the family and the neighbourhood to their core.
Seen through the child’s eyes, we realize that in the midst of upholding differences of faith, people have forgotten about the basic well-being and health of Usman.
Through the device of the heart transplant, Hassan lays bare the ways in which our society is polarized along religious lines. Though a Muslim, Usman starts adopting Hindu practices, which alarms devout Hindus and Muslims alike. Instead of celebrating an acceptance of different faiths that uphold the core values of humanity; people on either side are unable to consider a confluence of religions, resorting instead to an aggressive and hostile approach; making us painfully aware of the times that we are living in.
With a comedic tone, Hassan reveals the differences that seem non-negotiable in society — faith, caste, complexion, and even dietary preferences. The impressive cast of Swanand Kirkire, Kumud Mishra, Anant Vidhaat, Heeba Shah and Danish Husain delivers adept performances that bring out the themes competently. However, the pace flags in certain places and one wishes the edit had been crisper.
Pandit Usman is available on YouTube and is presented by Humara Movie.